SFPSG Guidance On Ground Conditions

Ground Conditions for
Construction Plant
Ground Conditions for

Construction Plant
Strategic Forum for Construction

Good Practice Guide
Reference No. CPA 1402

First Published: October 2014
Published by:
Construction Plant-hire Association
27/28 Newbury St
London
EC1A 7HU
Telephone: 020 7796 3366
Email: enquiries@cpa.uk.net
CPA Copyright October 2014
Ground Conditions for Construction Plant
October 2014
Contents
Page
Foreword .............
1.
Introduction and Scope .......
2.
Definitions .........
3.
Legal Duties ...............................................................................................
10
4.
Roles and Responsibilities .........................................................................
11
5.
Principles of Task Planning ........................................................................
14
The Ground Assessment Process ..............................................................
20
7.
Definition of the Task to be Undertaken ..........
22
8.
Selection of Plant . ..............................................
24
9.
Plant Loads and Forces ..............................................................................
26
10.
Ground Information.....................................................................................
35
11.
Determination of Ground Suitability ............................................................
39
12.
Selection and Design of Measures to Ensure Ground Suitability ...............
44
13.
Selection and Design of Measures to Reduce Imposed Loads ..................
47
14.
Communication ..........................................................................................
49
Annex A
Calculation of Plant Loads and Forces .............................................
50
Annex B
Soil Types and Characteristics .........................................................
52
Annex C
Typical Equipment Used to Spread Loads .......................................
53
Annex D
Precautions When Using Outrigger Pads .........................................
55
Annex E
Ground Capacity for Outrigger Mats - Simplified Method .................
58
Annex F
Examples of the Application of Annex E ...........................................
60
Annex G
Examples of Typical Configuration and Loading Information ............
61
Annex H
Factors of Safety ...............................................................................
65
Annex I
Legal Framework ..............................................................................
67
Annex J
Environment Agency Guidance ........................................................
69
Annex K
Further Information and Guidance .........
70
Annex L
Working Group Membership .......
72
NOTE: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the material contained within this booklet, no liability
is accepted by the Construction Plant-hire Association in respect of the information given.
No material from this booklet may be reproduced in any shape or form without the permission of the Construction Planthire Association.
October 2014
Foreword
Construction plant is a vital part of the construction process. Plant stability often
depends on the integrity of the ground on which it stands. If the ground fails, plant can
overturn or collapse. In the past such incidents have led to a significant number of
serious accidents, some tragically fatal. Not only do these accidents have a terrible cost
in terms of human suffering, they also have a significant financial cost for all concerned.
Consequently there is a very strong business case for improving safety performance.
Effective assessment of ground conditions is essential to assist with safe installation,
setting up and operation of construction plant.
The purpose of this guidance is to help those involved with planning and carrying out
plant operations to achieve a better awareness of ground conditions and how plant
selection and use can affect the ground.
This guidance will also help those carrying out ground assessment to be aware of their
own limitations - ground engineering can be a complex topic. It will help with planning
simple operations and help site staff to work more effectively with experts. It is essential
that all involved in planning plant operations know when to stop and seek advice from a
structural or geotechnical engineer.
This guidance has been developed by a working group representing all parts of the
industry. It provides clarity on the assessment of ground conditions and will help
construction plant suppliers and users improve health and safety standards. The
guidance addresses planning, ground assessment, plant selection and measures to
ensure ground stability. The advice in this document is straightforward, comprehensive
and easy to adopt. This guidance may go further than the minimum you need to do to
comply with the law.
I thank those who have been involved in its preparation and commend the guidance to
anyone who owns, supplies or controls the operation of construction plant. Please read
the publication and turn the advice into action.
Philip White
HM Chief Inspector of Construction
Chair of the Health and Safety Executives Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC).
October 2014
1.0
Introduction and Scope
Failure of the ground on which construction plant stands and moves is a frequent cause of
minor incidents and near misses on sites, together with a significant number of serious
injuries and fatalities. In addition to the impact on the lives of those involved, these events
can lead to delays in construction programmes and significant commercial loss such as
unrecoverable management time, loss of reputation and effect on future workloads. An HSE
publication on the cost of accidents estimated that for each 1 of accident cost recoverable
through insurance, a further 8 to 36 was unrecoverable and had to be borne by the
employer.
From this it can be seen that adequate assessment of ground to establish its ability to
support plant, is essential if these incidents are to be avoided.
A building was being demolished using an excavator standing on the first floor. The floor
collapsed bringing down the building. The excavator fell into the basement and was partially
buried by rubble, trapping the operator in the cab. Unfortunately by the time rescuers
reached the operator he had died.
The aim of this document is to provide clear guidance on the assessment of ground
conditions and the measures that can be taken to both improve ground and reduce loads
imposed on the ground. Ground engineering can be a complex topic and part of the purpose
of this guidance is to enable construction personnel to decide when they need to consult an
expert geotechnical or structural engineer.
It is essential that those carrying out ground assessment are aware of their own
limitations and know when to stop and consult those expert in the field.
This document is aimed at all those with an interest in the stability of plant including:
Clients
Designers
Contractors of all sizes
Plant hire companies

Builders merchants
Plant manufacturers
Training organisations
Utilities
The types of construction plant covered by this document include:
Mobile cranes (wheeled and

crawler)
Mobile self erecting tower

cranes
Self erecting tower cranes

Top slew tower cranes
Mobile Elevating Work

Platforms
Lorry loaders
Piling rigs
Telehandlers
Ground improvement plant
Vertical Mast fork trucks
Dumpers and dumptrucks
Loading shovels
Pipe laying equipment
Rollers and compaction

equipment
Dozers
Concrete pumps and booms
Excavators
Demolition equipment
Drilling rigs
Road going vehicles
including delivery vehicles,
tippers and concrete truck
mixers
Jacking, winching and lifting
equipment
Tractors
Specialist landscaping
equipment
October 2014
The scope of this document excludes:
Waterborne and marine plant

Jack up barges
Work at sea
Underground plant
Non mechanical plant (scaffolding, formwork, ground support etc)
Construction hoists, mast climbing work platforms and transport platforms
Services above ground
The basic process of ground assessment is shown in Figure 1 below. A more detailed
flow chart of the process is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1 - A Simple Outline of the Ground Assessment Process
October 2014
2.0
Definitions of terms applying to this document
competent person
person with sufficient knowledge of the specific tasks to be undertaken and the risks
which the work will entail, and with sufficient experience and ability to enable them to
carry out their duties in relation to the works, to recognize their limitations, know where
to obtain further authoritative advice and to take appropriate action in order to prevent
harm to those carrying out construction work, or those affected by the work
NOTE: Modified from HSE CDM2007.
appointed person for lifting operations

a competent person appointed by the employing organisation carrying out a lifting
operation, to have overall control of the lifting operation and ensure that it is planned and
carried out safely
CDM
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007)
CDM 2007 is construction specific legislation that requires duty holders including clients,
designers and contractors to plan, manage and monitor health, safety and welfare
aspects of construction projects. This includes coordination of each stage of
the process and sharing of information. Preconstruction information must be
made available to assist contractors to tender. Upon
completion, project information must be passed to the client to assist with
planning maintenance and further work at the site.
NOTE: The CDM 2007 Regulations are currently under review and this document will be revised to reflect
any changes once new regulations are in force
CDM co-ordinator
An entity (person or organisation) which provides clients with a key project advisor in
respect of construction health and safety risk management matters. Their main purpose
is to help clients to carry out their duties; to co-ordinate health and safety aspects of the
design work and to prepare the health and safety file.
client (non domestic)
person or organisation who is having construction or building work carried out, unless
they are a domestic client.
client (domestic)
person who lives, or will live, in the premises where the work is carried out. The
premises must not relate to any trade, business or other undertaking.
construction plant
machinery used in the construction process, including lifting equipment, referred to in
this document as plant
crane supervisor
person who controls the lifting operation, and ensures that it is carried out in accordance
with the appointed persons safe system of work
designer
competent person who carries out the assessment of ground suitability and the selection
and/or design of measures to ensure ground suitability and/or measures to reduce
imposed loads
October 2014
engineered structure
designed, constructed and maintained man made structure,
NOTE: This may include roads, jetties, bridges, buildings, earthworks (including fill) and temporary
structures
Eurocodes
a set of harmonized technical rules developed by the European Committee for
Standardization (CEN) for the structural design of construction works in the European
Union
ground
material supporting construction plant
NOTE: This may include soil, rock, peat, stockpiled materials, made ground and engineered structures
ground assessment
process of assessment of the suitability of a specific area of ground to support specific
items of construction plant
ground information assessment
determination of reliability and sufficiency of ground information in relation to the task to
be undertaken and the plant and equipment being considered
ground investigation
engineering processes and techniques used to obtain technical information that may be
required to determine ground bearing capacity and validate the suitability of the
underlying ground
method statement
document describing a safe system of work using text, images, drawings etc.
outrigger
extensible structure attached to the plant chassis to relieve the weight of the plant from
its wheels or tracks and increase stability
party in control of a site
person or organisation who occupies and controls a workplace
plant
see construction plant
plant operator
person who is operating an item of construction plant
proprietary support equipment
off-the-shelf transportable equipment of a specified capacity which transfers and
spreads load from construction plant to the ground
NOTE: Examples include spreader plates, trackway, bog mats, but not equipment designed specifically for
the specific task to be undertaken e,g, grillage
risk assessment
a systematic process of identifying the hazards, evaluating the potential risks arising and
identifying the necessary measures required to eliminate or reduce those risks to an
acceptable level.
October 2014
safe system of work

a method of working designed to eliminate, if possible, or otherwise reduce risks to
health and safety
stabiliser
extensible structure attached to the plant chassis to extend the tipping line and increase
stability
temporary works (See BS5975)
an engineered solution that allows or enables construction of, protection, support or
provide access to, the permanent works and which might or might not remain in place at
the completion of the works
NOTE: Examples include granular platforms, steel grillages and ground of assessed capacity.
temporary works co-ordinator

TWC
competent person with responsibility for the co-ordination of all activities related to the
temporary works
temporary works supervisor
TWS
competent person who is responsible to and assists the temporary works co-ordinator
temporary works designer
TWD
competent person who carries out the design of temporary works
temporary works design checker
TWDC
competent person, independent from the design process, who carries out a check of the
temporary works design
October 2014
3.0
Legal Duties
3.1
General
The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) and associated regulations
require employers and self employed persons to ensure the safety of employees and
others not in their employ (including members of the public). Part of that duty is ensuring
the stability of construction plant on site by assessing and managing the ground on
which it stands. Those with duties include
Clients
Designers
Management Contractors
Principal Contractors
Main Contractors
Sub-contractors
Other Employers
Self Employed
Employees
Plant Manufacturers
Dealers
Rental Companies (Plant Owners)
In addition, plant manufacturers, plant dealers and rental companies have a duty under
both HSWA (Section 6) and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations to provide
adequate information to enable a piece of construction plant to be used safely. This will
include the loads imposed by the machine on the ground in all possible configurations.
Annex I lists the main sets of regulations made under HSWA which apply to the
management of plant operations, including ground conditions and stability issues.
NOTE: Northern Ireland has its own set of regulations which tend to mirror those in Great Britain, but may
have minor differences. Employers should ensure that they are aware of the regulations in the jurisdiction in
the which they are working.
10
October 2014
4.0
4.1
Roles and Responsibilities

General
As with all activities on construction sites, the effective management of ground

conditions, including adequate ground assessment, can only succeed if all parties
involved are clear about their roles and responsibilities, and able to communicate
effectively.
It is essential for all persons undertaking these roles to be competent, having relevant
up-to-date training and the qualifications and experience appropriate to the operations
for which they are responsible.
The responsibilities for undertaking the various activities involved in ground assessment
are set out in Table 1.
The roles outlined in 4.2, 4.3 and 4.8 fulfil statutory duties whilst those in 4.4 to 4.7
reflect good practice.
4.2
Party in Control of the Site
The party in control of the site has overall responsibility for the safety of all personnel on
site. They should ensure that where plant is being used to carry out a task, adequate
steps have been taken to ensure the stability of the plant on site during - transport onto
site, set up, use, movement, maintenance, dismantling and removal from site.
4.3
Appointed Persons - Lifting Operations
The appointed person in control of a lifting operation is responsible for all aspects of
planning, supervision and execution of the lifting operation, including ensuring that the
ground or structure on which equipment stands will take the loads imposed by the plant.
This does not mean that the appointed person has to be an expert in ground
assessment, they must however take reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the
information provided by the person in control of the site is relevant and appropriate. The
appointed person should have the necessary confidence and authority to carry out their
duties effectively.
Where doubt exists as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information provided it is the
responsibility of the appointed person to ensure that the lifting operation does not
proceed until the doubt has been satisfactorily resolved.
4.4
Temporary Works Designer (TWD)
The Temporary Works Designer carries out the design of the temporary works to a
design brief provided by the Temporary Work Co-ordinator.
4.5
Temporary Works Design Checker
The Temporary Works Design Checker carries out a check of the temporary works
design for concept, adequacy, correctness and compliance with the requirements of the
design brief. They should be independent from those responsible for the design. The
degree of independence required will depend on the category of check required. See
12.3
4.6
Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC)
For a given site, the main or principal contractor should appoint a temporary works coordinator who is responsible for the implementation of their organizations temporary
works procedures and coordination with all other contractors who are directly or
indirectly in their employ.
When work is being carried out by different organizations on site it is common for one
organization to prepare and provide the foundations upon which another subsequently
erects the main temporary works structure. This physical interface is particularly critical,
11
October 2014
but in all cases it is important that physical constraints and interface conditions are
clearly defined and the work procedures adopted are able to take effective account of
such matters.
The temporary works co-ordinator should manage these interfaces and retain an
overview of the whole scheme to ensure each step of the procedure is completed and
does not adversely affect the scheme.
It is essential for the TWC to be competent, having relevant up-to-date training and both
the qualifications and the experience appropriate to the complexity of the project. The
appointment of the TWC should be made known to all concerned.
4.7
Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)
The temporary works supervisor (TWS) may be employed by the principal contractor, or
by the specialist subcontractor who will be carrying out the work. Each TWS will need to
have experience of the work in question and the TWC should be involved in the
selection of suitable individuals. On very large or complex jobs the TWS may need to
be an experienced and qualified engineer. On small or simple jobs the TWC may also
act as the TWS.
On large construction sites where temporary works operations are carried out by various
subcontractors, the Principal Contractors TWC should ensure that a TWS is appointed
to oversee the temporary works of each of the subcontractors.
4.8
CDM Co-ordinator
The CDM Co-ordinator must ensure that there is appropriate communication between
permanent works and temporary works designers and, where both parties are involved
concurrently, appropriate co-ordination.
NOTE: The CDM 2007 Regulations are currently under review and this document will be revised to reflect
any changes, once new regulations are in force
12
October 2014
Activity/Element
Define each task to be undertaken and
its limitations considering static and
travelling situations (including access
and egress) and environmental
conditions. Any changes to task or
equipment must be considered
Select appropriate plant for the task with

assistance from manufacturer/supplier
Responsibility
This will fall to the party responsible for
the task, e.g.
Principal/Main Contractor for the

design and provision of an access
road and plant platform
Sub-contractor implementing a lift,

carrying out piling, tracking plant.
Delivery firm when delivering to a

householders private address
when a contractor is not involved
The party carrying out the site

operation*.
(On occasions it may be the separate
party designing the access/platform etc.
in which case the assumptions made,
and any restrictions, must be conveyed
to the party carrying out the site
operation, and to the Main/Principal
Contractor)
Comment
It is important that contractually it is clear which
party is responsible. Statutory responsibility may
fall to more than one party e.g. Principal
Contractor and the Sub-Contractor (the split
depending upon the circumstances) and will not
necessarily match contractual divisions.
The Main/Principal Contractor may need to feed
information into this action to inform the party
responsible of site-wide risk or restrictions.
It may be necessary to consult with the

permanent works designer, or Others, if the
plant affects the permanent works or third
parties.
Establish Obtain loads/forces imposed

on the ground/structure by the plant (See
Section 9.0)
The party carrying out the site operation

has a duty to obtain this information*.
This may be delegated on occasions to those

who are competent to determine these loads
The party supplying the plant has a duty

to provide this information.
If delegated it is still the responsibility of the

party carrying out the operation to ensure it is
done by competent persons
Assess the bearing capacity of ground or

supporting structure, defining limits of
area considered and taking account of
both static and travelling conditions (as
applicable)
The party carrying out the site

operation*.
If delegated it is still the responsibility of the

party carrying out the operation to ensure it is
done by competent persons.
This may be delegated on occasions to

those who are competent to determine
these loads
It may be necessary to consult with the

permanent works designer if the plant affects
the permanent works e.g. loads behind retaining
walls.
A suitable check should be included here to
guard against error.
Analysis taking account of imposed

loads, ground/structure capacity,
uncertainty and appropriate factors of
safety
As above
As above
Review of adequacy
As above
As above
Design ground/structure
improvements/bearing pressure
reduction measures
The party determined by the contract.
It must be clear contractually which party is

responsible. Note that statutorily a number of
parties may share responsibility e.g. the party
undertaking the task and the Temporary Works
Designer, the Main/Principal Contractor.
This may be carried out by others who

are competent to determine these loads
and may include:
The Main/Principal Contractor
The Permanent and/or Temporary

Works Designer
The TWC (or TWS)
A suitable check should be included here to

guard against error.
The TWC will want to be satisfied that this
review has taken place and that significant
information has been conveyed in writing to all
interested parties.
Improve capacity of ground or structure

or reduce bearing pressure
As above
As above
Post improvement check
As above
As above
Issue documentation and authorisation
This will vary, it will always include the

party undertaking the task, but may also
include:
For significant tasks the TWC will have a lead

co-ordinating role and will authorise the activity
e.g. a lift or loading of falsework.

Works Designer
The TWC (or TWS)
Proceed with task
Party responsible for task
A known person within the organisation carrying

out the task will have responsibility.
Monitor task and ground
As above with others as necessary e.g.
All tasks should be monitored, even if informally.

For those with greater potential for adverse
impact then the monitoring will require
formalisation. The monitoring may concentrate
on the equipment, lift, ground, adjacent
structures etc. as appropriate.

Works Designer
Person carrying out the task
*The TWC will have an overarching co-ordination role in respect of much of the above activities, supported as necessary by TWS's. The
AP will play a similarly important role with regard to lifting operations.
It is important that in respect of these, and all roles, the duties are defined in writing and made known to all
Table 1 - Planning Activities and Responsibilities

13
October 2014
5.0
Principles of Task Planning
Poor planning is one of the major causes of accidents arising from the use of
construction plant. All operations on construction sites should be planned to
ensure that they are carried out safely and that all foreseeable risks have been
taken into account.
5.1
General
The following sets out the principles of planning tasks involving the use of plant on
construction sites. Planning applies to sites of all sizes and durations, and may cover a
single operation or a whole series of operations requiring effective co-ordination.
Part of this planning process is the assessment of the ground which will support the
plant during transport onto site, set up, use, movement, maintenance, dismantling and
removal from site. The process of carrying out the assessment and undertaking any
remedial measures required is described in Section 6.
Even a simple task cannot be carried out without some preparation. More complex tasks
need to be planned ahead so that all necessary arrangements have been made by the
start date. Planning a task to ensure it can be carried out safely and efficiently involves
the following actions:
5.2
Identify task or outcome to be achieved;
Set out budget and commercial restrictions;
List hazards associated with the activity;
Consider options that could completely avoid (remove) the most serious hazards;
Propose measures to control the remaining hazards (including e.g. information

gathering, physical protection, special procedures);
Review the situation and consider whether the preferred control measure(s)
create any new hazards or difficulties;
If the overall risk of an incident will now be low enough - arrange the work. If the
risk of incident is still too high the control measure/s need to be reviewed. If
acceptable control measures cannot be found then the task or outcome will need
to be reconsidered;
Arranging the work includes fully briefing the team who will carry it out.
Responsibility for planning
Planning and organising the work needs to be coordinated by the Main or Principal
contractor. Detailed planning of tasks is usually carried out by the employer who is
undertaking the task. The contractor should ensure that they identify a person who is
competent to undertake the planning and give them that duty. Where several parties are
involved it may be possible to allocate certain tasks to each party. This should be by
agreement and recorded. It is particularly important that there is no scope for confusion
about who is doing what.
5.3
Identifying the task to be undertaken
As the first stage in the planning process, the task to be undertaken should be clearly
identified, together with the location and sequence. For a simple task there may be
limited opportunity for flexibility - e.g. delivery by lorry loader crane - but even at this
level the unit could vary from van sized, through rigid body to articulated dependant on
site restrictions and nature of load. For more complex tasks it can help to set out the
outcome to be achieved as the starting point. This allows a wider range of options to be
considered and may prevent early decisions proving too costly or difficult to implement.
14
October 2014
5.4
Risk Management
We all automatically use the principles of risk management in everyday life. Recognising
this allows us to use the process more effectively by breaking it down into a series of
steps. In reality it is necessary to go through the process several times during planning
of a task as each change tends to have a knock-on effect. Managing the hazards
associated with the task involves the following steps:
5.4.1
Identifying the hazards associated with the task
The hazards associated with the task should be identified. These might be due to the
location and environment where the work is to be carried out; the type of plant being
used; the type of task being carried out; the travel route or the people associated with
the task or located in the vicinity. This process should also consider the effect of other
operations being carried out in the vicinity and the need for co-ordination.
NOTE: Assessment of the implications of language skills and prevailing or anticipated weather conditions
should form part of all hazard evaluation carried out as part of the planning process for the safe use and
maintenance of plant.
5.4.2
Eliminate hazards where possible
It may be possible to remove some of the hazards completely. To achieve this, earlier
assumptions about sequencing the work or choice of plant may need to be
reconsidered.
Examples of hazard elimination
Haul route layout should be designed to

keep plant away from open edges or deep
water
Undisturbed soil samples are often needed

in order to assess ground conditions. The
photograph shows soil samples being
collected by hand from a deep excavation.
The trench will only be open for a few
minutes and the completely unacceptable
temptation is to save time by not shoring
the sides. Most excavations will require
shoring or battering back unless a site
specific risk assessment indicates
otherwise. Core samples can also be
collected by use of a drilling rig.
Access roads should be wide enough to

avoid heavy equipment travelling near soft
verges
15
October 2014
Long boom excavator standing on the berm

or bench was selected to avoid working
from the slope
A Trackway road was laid over a soft

grassed area to avoid the machine
becoming bogged down
5.4.3
Evaluating the remaining hazards
Having eliminated as many of the identified hazards as possible, the next step is to
select or develop control measures that can be applied to the remaining hazards. It is
useful to be aware of:
who could be harmed; and
the consequences of any harm (ie the number of potential casualties; the extent
of possible damage; the nature of the injuries - minor or severe; and the
complexity of any clear-up operation).
This information helps to direct selection of control measures. For example one highly
trained and experienced person doing short duration high hazard work is likely to need
fewer physical control measures than a situation where a number of people, such as
members of the public, could be exposed to a similar hazard.
5.4.4
Identifying control measures
Once the hazard evaluation has highlighted those parts of the task that need control
measures to be applied, the procedures and measures required to control each aspect
should be identified. This will include consideration of the suitability of plant that is
already available for the task to be undertaken, or whether another more suitable type of
plant should be used.
Example - Where materials need to be moved around site and lifted to height a telescopic
material handler can perform a variety of lifting operations and be fitted with a range of lifting
attachments. The use of a telehandler is a versatile control measure that can remove the hazards
involved in repetitious manual handling and dropped material when carrying materials up ladders,
using gin wheels and wheel barrows etc.
However the use of a large heavy item of plant with visibility issues introduces new hazards
requiring control. These control measures include the use of competent operators to avoid
contact with pedestrians, other plant and structures. The whole site may have been assessed
and a maximum working capacity allocated to the ground. The telehandler may be restricted to
travelling on specified routes that have been assessed for bearing capacity, and lifting only while
on designated, designed areas. Operators should be provided with information that makes clear
which operations are allowed in which areas. This may need to involve briefing documents
(including a plan) and reminder signage set out in working areas.
Control of the collision hazard will include route segregation to keep vehicles and pedestrians
separated. Plant should be fitted with appropriate visibility aids for site conditions such as mirrors
and possibly CCTV camera/monitors. As a last resort a competent banksman standing in a safe
position may be needed to guide the operator.
In summary - control is only achieved by a combination of measures to deal with the original task
and hazards and any new hazards that the control measure/s may introduce. Where it is not
possible to reduce the risk arising from all these hazards to an acceptable level alternative
equipment/working methods may need to be considered.
16
October 2014
Annex C shows a range of control measures that allow local plant loadings on the
ground to be reduced.
5.4.5
Evaluation of the adequacy of control measures
Having identified control measures that appear to be suitable, they should be assessed
to ensure that they are adequate. This includes checking that one control measure will
not conflict with another, or introduce fresh hazards. When the overall mix of control
measures means that an incident is unlikely to occur the risk of an incident becomes
acceptable or tolerable.
If at any time in the assessment process the risk appears too high, then alternative or
additional control measures should be considered. Where an acceptable risk cannot be
achieved using control measures, the task itself should be reconsidered. This may result
in a range of hazards that are easier to control. In some circumstances it may be
beneficial to change the build sequence or even the design.
The conclusions of the assessment should be recorded. This is often called the risk
assessment but is in fact just one stage in carrying out a risk assessment. (Recording
the conclusions is a legal requirement unless the employer has less than 5 employees).
For general construction activity the written assessment should not need to get any
more complicated than outlining which measures (physical controls and procedures)
have been selected to deal with the significant hazards. The level of remaining risk
should be recorded as well as the control measures.
If all the measures taken to reduce the risk to an acceptable or tolerable level leave a
residual risk that is still significant, the risk assessment should recognise this and site
management should be made aware that continuous supervision and monitoring of the
activity is required to ensure it is carried out safely.
5.5
Developing the method to be used
Having identified the hazards and worked out the control measures required to carry out
the task safely, the information should be developed into a coherent plan. Especially for
unusual or non-routine tasks this should include consultation with those who will be
undertaking or be affected by the task. Any limitations, contingency measures and
emergency procedures should be included in the plan.
5.6
Recording the planning in a Method Statement
Once the plan has been developed it should be recorded in a Method Statement. The
length and detail of this document depends on the nature and complexity of the task to
be undertaken, the skills and experience of the workforce involved and on the level of
risk involved. Where it helps, the conclusions of the risk assessment can be recorded in
the method statement as a single document. The title needs to reflect this. Many
companies now use the term RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) to show that
the briefing package comprises both items.
Where a company uses generic procedures for certain tasks, these must be reviewed
and modified before use on each site. This is to ensure the procedure is definitely
suitable for the site in question. For large, lengthy or complex jobs the review should be
planned ahead. For short, simple tasks, the review may be carried out by site personnel
in the form of a dynamic assessment - e.g. a routine fork lift or lorry loader crane
unloading operation.
Many companies now find that the most effective way of preparing a method statement
is to include step-by-step instructions including, or based on, sketch diagrams (or photos
from a similar job). These can be labelled and show the current site, the intended
sequence and the equipment list more readily than long, wordy documents.
Only the simplest and most repetitive tasks involving an experienced workforce are
suitable for verbal only task briefing.
17
October 2014
5.7
Communicating the planned safe system of work to all persons involved
One of the most important aspects of successful planning is to ensure that the contents
of the planned safe system of work are communicated effectively to, and between, all
parties involved. This needs to take account of language differences. Arrangements
should be made to ensure that up to date copies of any method statements are given
and explained to the appropriate people, including the Principal Contractor, and that
others involved in the job are fully briefed.
Supervisors in particular, need to be clear about how the task will be carried out. They,
in turn, need to ensure that the gang has understood the procedure and the sequence of
the task. It is also important that those working nearby have been informed of any
activity that could affect them. If anyone raises any concern or provides new information,
this should be considered and action taken before the work starts.
5.8
Reviewing the plan before the job starts
There may be a lag between planning and the work getting underway. Many incidents
occur because site conditions have changed or the equipment or materials provided are
not quite as expected. Immediately before a job starts the specified method should be
checked to see if any aspect of the job has changed and the effect that these changes
could have on the safety of the operation. If any significant modifications to the plan are
required these may need to be considered by the designers. The person responsible for
the activity should amend the Method Statement and sign off any significant changes.
Any changes should be explained to all those involved.
A check should be made to ensure that all the steps shown in Figure 2 have been
carried out and that responsibilities have been allocated.
18
October 2014
Figure 2 - Ground Assessment and Improvement Process
19
October 2014
6.0
The Ground Assessment Process
The assessment of the ground on which construction plant is to stand must be carried out in
a logical manner, ensuring that all relevant factors are identified and evaluated. Where load
reduction or ground improvement measures are required these must be designed by a
competent person.
6.1
The Process Step by Step
Figure 2 shows the complete ground assessment process which consists of the following
steps:
6.1.1
Define each task to be undertaken and its limitations
This should include all circumstances related to the task including:
delivery of plant to site;
setting up/erection;
in service including travelling;
and out of service including travelling;
maintenance;
stowing/dismantling;
removal from site.
Any changes to the task or the plant will result in a redefinition of the task (See 7.0).
6.1.2
Selection of plant
Select the item(s) of plant required to carry out the task (See 8.0).
6.1.3
Gather Information on the Loads and Forces Imposed on the Ground by the Plant
This may include vertical loads such as weight, horizontal loads such as wind or slewing and
the resulting forces such as ground pressure under tracks or point loads from outriggers
(See 6.0).
6.1.4
Determine the Nature of the Task Loads and the Use of the Plant
This may include laden, unladen conditions and different configurations (See 9.0).
6.1.5
Collate Imposed Loads for Assessment
The outcome of this process is a set of imposed loads for the determination of ground
suitability (See 9.0).
The processes of selecting plant and obtaining ground information are generally
carried out at the same time
20
October 2014
6.1.6
Obtaining Ground information
This involves the collection and collation of any existing data for the ground on which the
plant will stand and over which it will travel during access to and egress from the site. This
includes, if required, inspection of the site for additional data and investigation (See 10.0).
6.1.7
Assessment
Once the information has been gathered it must be assessed to ensure that it is reliable and
sufficient for the purpose of assessment (See 10.0). If it is not there are two options:
Attempting to gather more information from various sources;
Carrying out a ground investigation to a level that is proportional to the

consequences of failure of the ground supporting the item of plant.
6.1.8
Ground Information for Assessment
The outcome of this process is information on the ground for the determination of ground
suitability (See 10.0).
6.1.9
Determination of Ground Suitability
Before a determination of ground suitability can be carried out the plant has to be selected
and information on the ground collected. These activities can be carried out in parallel.
Once the loads and forces imposed by the plant on the ground and adequate information on
the ground are known an assessment of ground suitability is carried out. If the result of this is
satisfactory, the results of the assessment must be communicated to those responsible for
setting up and using the item of plant (See 11.0).
If however the assessment indicates that the ground will not be able to bear the loads and
forces imposed upon it two measures can be taken to rectify the situation:
The selection/design of measures to ensure that the ground is suitable such as the
provision of a granular working platform, ground stabilisation or the use of a piled
foundation (See 12.0);
The selection/design of measures to reduce the load imposed on the ground such as
reselection of the plant, reduction of task loads or the use of proprietary support
equipment (See 13.0).
Once either or both of these measures have been employed, the assessment of ground
suitability is repeated until a satisfactory outcome is achieved.
6.1.10 Communication
Once it has been determined that the ground is suitable to bear the loads imposed by the
plant this must be communicated effectively in writing to those responsible for setting up and
using the item of plant, together with any requirements for ground improvement or load
reduction (See 14.0).
21
October 2014
7.0
7.1
Definition of the Task to be Undertaken

Introduction
Before making any assessment of ground conditions it is essential that the task to be
undertaken and the plant to be used are carefully defined to avoid confusion.
7.2
Task to be Undertaken
The task to be undertaken should be specified as part of the planning process. The brief
should include:
What is to be done e.g. carrying out a piling operation or lifting a specific load
with a mobile crane;
Where it is to be done e.g. location;
Time limitations.
7.2.1
What is to be done
A brief description of the task to be carried out, such as - install 14No. 800mm diameter
x 6m long bored piles or lift 3No. 20m long precast beams into position. The description
should include weights and dimensions.
7.2.2
Where it is to be done
A description of the location of the task and should include the access and egress to and
from the location for both materials and plant. The description should include brief
details of the ground conditions where they are known and any limitations on access,
egress, working positions and travelling on site.
Example - A large crawler crane was being used for the erection of wind turbines on a wind
farm. Once the erection of a wind turbine was completed the crane was travelled fully rigged to
the site of the next turbine to be erected. This involved a journey of three-quarters of a mile along
site roads. During the journey the edge of the road collapsed causing the crane to overturn.
The crane operator had not been briefed on the importance of keeping the crane in the centre of
the road and the road cross slope (camber) at the edge was greater than permitted, increasing
the pressure under the track on that side.
Example - A 250 tonne mobile crane was being used on a concrete slab supported by columns,
but with inadequate back propping. The slab suffered from localised collapse due to the loads
imposed by the crane outriggers, allowing the crane to fall through the slab
22
October 2014
7.2.3
Time limitations.
A description of when the task has to be started, how long it is expected to take and any
restrictions, such as limited working hours or the need to complete within a railway
possession or a road closure.
Example - A school extension project needed several months build time which could not be
shortened into the summer break. Using existing access via the main entrance driveway would
have involved construction and delivery vehicles working in close proximity to the public. It would
also have effectively stopped deliveries and plant movement during school arrival and departure
times including lunchtimes.
Playing fields to the rear backed onto a quiet road. The contractor arranged for a fully fenced
and gated temporary haul route to be built from the quiet road directly into the site. This involved
ground investigation to enable an efficient design to be prepared. At no overall increase in cost
the new arrangement benefited the client and the public and removed pressure from the
contractor who could be more flexible with scheduling the work and was able to provide better
contractor parking, unloading, turning and storage areas.
23
October 2014
8.0
Selection of Plant
8.1
Introduction
Once the task has been defined the plant required to carry out the task should be
selected taking into account the following factors:
Plant characteristics (See Annex G)
Availability of plant;
Access to site;
Egress from site;
Time constraints;
Production requirements.
It may well be that some of the requirements are incompatible and several repetitions of
the plant selection process will be required to ensure that the most effective solution in
terms of cost and efficiency, is found.
8.2
Availability of Plant
If the item of plant is to be provided from a contractor's own resources the choice may
be limited which may result in the item of plant being larger or heavier than required.
Whilst this may appear to make good economic sense, the equipment may impose
greater loads on the ground, which may in turn increase the cost of load spreading or
ground improvement measures.
On the other hand if the plant is to be hired in from a plant hire company it should be
possible to obtain the correctly sized piece of plant for the task. It is often false economy
to use an item of plant which is not of the optimum capacity, as productivity will be
affected. Sometimes where the correct piece of plant is not available the plant supplier
will substitute a machine with a larger capacity. Care should be taken to ensure that this
does not compromise safety as the substituted machine may have a different
specification such as a greater weight, wider outrigger spread etc.
Example - Foundations for wind turbine generators required the use of driven precast concrete
piles to transfer the permanent works loads through weak alluvial soils overlying dense gravel
and into the underlying chalk. The foundation design required the piles to found in the chalk at
depths of between 34 and 35 metres. This meant that piles had to penetrate up to 10 metres of
dense gravel. To facilitate this, the piling specialist brought in a rig from its parent company in
Denmark equipped with a 9 tonne hydraulic hammer. This was successful in ensuring that all
piles penetrated to the chalk.
A further benefit of using this machine was that it was able to handle and pitch the piles in two
segments of 17 to 18 metres in length, whereas generally available UK piling plant is limited to 15
metres which would have meant three segments per pile. This gave savings in both time and cost
Since two of the foundation locations were adjacent to the dock perimeter road, the risk of lifting
operations adjacent to areas used by third parties was reduced by 1/3, i.e. two lifts per pile
instead of three.
8.3
Access to Site
A significant constraint on the selection of plant may well be access to the site in terms
of width, height, bend radii and ground bearing capacity. This may limit the size of
machine which can access the site and if a larger piece of plant is required to carry out
the task, it may be necessary to either modify the access route to increase its capacity,
dismantle the plant for transport onto site and reassemble at the task location or
reconfigure the task so that a smaller machine can be used.
24
October 2014
8.4
Egress from Site
When selecting plant for a task it should always be born in mind that access routes
change over the life on a construction project and that the access route that a piece of
plant came into site on may not be adequate when the time comes to leave site.
A self erecting tower crane (SETC) was being used for lifting on a refurbishment project in a
town centre. The crane stood in a courtyard for the duration of the project and the only way in
to the courtyard was through a single archway, which was just high enough to allow the folded
SETC to pass below. During construction a beam was inserted at the top of the arch to support
a wall being constructed above. When it was time to remove the crane from site it was found
that the headroom had been reduced to such an extent that the crane could not pass through
the archway. The only way to remove the crane was to dismantle it at considerable cost and
inconvenience to the site.
8.5
Time Constraints
The time constraints on a task will also have an effect on the selection of plant. For
example - if a bridge deck is to be lifted into position over a railway line with a 24 hour
possession over a week end, this will probably have to be completed in one lift using a
large capacity mobile crane. On the other hand if a bridge is being constructed over a
road that is also under construction the bridge deck may be constructed in situ over a
longer time, requiring a much smaller capacity crane.
Where small amounts of material have to be excavated, time constraints may mean that
it is more effective to use a large 360 excavator that is already on site, rather than to
wait for a smaller machine to be delivered, even though the ground loads are greater.
Example - The facade of a building in an inner city location required a structural inspection which
had to be completed during a Saturday night and Sunday all day road closure. Access was
provided using a 61m working height truck mounted MEWP as the machine was able to be set up
rapidly and could cover the whole facade from two set up positions, reducing downtime for
repositioning the machine. This allowed the inspection to be completed within the time limit of the
road closure.
Example - A pre-stressed concrete bridge carrying two rail tracks over a road had to be removed
and replaced with a new steel bridge deck over a weekend rail possession. Utilising a 1000 tonne
capacity mobile crane and purpose designed lifting accessories, the bridge replacement was
completed in time to allow rail traffic to resume on Monday morning.. The large capacity crane
required a costly, purpose built foundation to accept the loads imposed by the crane's outriggers.
If the contractor had not been given a limited amount of time to complete the operation it would
have been possible to have carried out the work by demolishing the old bridge and constructing
the new bridge in situ. As a consequence a much smaller crane could have been used and the
foundation costs would have been greatly reduced.
8.6
Production Requirements
Production requirements will also have an impact on the selection of plant for a task.
The construction programme may well require a specific output such as a specific
volume of earth excavated each day or a specific number of piles driven and the plant
selected will have to be capable of meeting this requirement.
Example - During flood defence work in a harbour on the coast of East Anglia large quantities of
sand had to be moved each day to maintain the construction programme. The haul route
involved several significant inclines, soft areas and difficult going. The distances involved were
too long to allow temporary levelling and construction of a designed temporary roadway structure.
Although the route was passable and safe for wheeled dumpers to use, it was recognised that it
would be susceptible to delays and impassable during and following wet weather. The contractor
priced the job to use tracked dumpers which were ideal for the conditions and able to achieve the
required output in both dry and wet weather.
25
October 2014
9.0
9.1
Plant Loads and Forces

Introduction
Having selected the plant required to carry out the task an assessment of the loads and
forces it will impose on the ground should be made. These will be made up of loads
imposed by the item of plant itself due its self weight and configuration and additional
loads due to the mass of any object or material being handled or lifted by the item of
plant. These loads will be affected by wind both in and out of service. This may
significantly increase the loads. Figure 3 shows the effect of wind on a mobile crane and
it's load.
Figure 3 - Loadings on a Mobile Crane

9.2
Information Sources
9.2.1
Plant Loads and Forces
Plant loads and forces may be obtained from a number of sources including:
The plant manufacturer;
The plant supplier;
By calculation (See Annex A);
By measurement (using load cells to measure the imposed loads).
26
October 2014
Care should be taken to use the most accurate source of information as this will
influence the cost of any ground improvement measures required, if those loads are
over estimated. Conversely a collapse could occur if they are underestimated
NOTE: Both plant manufacturers and plant suppliers have a duty to provide this information under Section 6
of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
Further information on this legislation is given in Annex I.
The information provided by the plant manufacturer and suppliers will vary depending on
the type of plant. Examples of loading information for various types of plant are given in
Annex G.
When obtaining loading information for plant it is essential to ensure that the
information is for the exact configuration of plant to be used. Some
manufacturer's data sheets give weights for a base machine to which the weight
of jibs, booms, buckets, wide tracks etc must be added.
Although the manufacturer or supplier of the plant has a duty to provide information that
will allow it to be used safely, it is however, essential that the user advises the
manufacturer or supplier of the task to be carried out i.e. extracting or driving piles, and
the exact configuration of the item of plant, so that the correct information can be
supplied. The task being under taken and the configuration of the plant may both have a
significant effect on loads imposed on the ground.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the user to ensure that they have obtained accurate
information and have interpreted it correctly.
A large mobile crane was being used to lift a small piling rig out of an excavated area. The
crane was set up on the piled edge of the excavation and the appointed person decided that to
achieve the required load radius the outriggers would have to be short rigged (the outrigger
beams not extended to their full extent). With a reduced distance between the tipping line and
the centre of gravity of the crane and load, the outrigger loads were greater than anticipated, the
ground failed and the crane overturned into the excavated area.
In some cases, particularly with older items of plant, the manufacturer may no longer be
in business. In this case the owner, supplier or in certain circumstance, the user, should
consult a suitably qualified and experienced engineer who should, after carrying out an
assessment, be able to provide the required load information.
A brief assessment which involves making a number of assumptions will provide data
with a low certainty and require the use of a large factor of safety, resulting in a
conservative, and possibly expensive, foundation. On the other hand a detailed
assessment will be quite costly, but will result in data with a higher level of certainty and
allow a lower factor of safety to be used, resulting in a less costly foundation. It is
important to consider these factors to ensure the lowest outturn cost. (See also 9.5)
It may also be more efficient to use alternative plant with readily available data.
27
October 2014
9.2.2
Duty or Service Loads
Duty or service loads include anything imposed by the use of the plant and may include
prefabricated units, bulk materials, people, driving/extracting forces etc.
Object or material loads may be obtained from a number of sources including:
The manufacturer of the object or material;
The supplier of the object or material;
By calculation (based on standard criteria);
By measurement (e.g. weighing).
Again care should be taken to use the most accurate source of information as this will
influence the accuracy of the ground assessment and the cost of any ground
improvement measures required.
NOTE: Both manufacturers and suppliers have a duty to provide this information under Section 6 of the
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Further information on this legislation is given in Annex I.
The information provided by manufacturers and suppliers of objects and materials will
vary depending on the type of object or material but will include some or all of the
following:
Weight;
Density;
Overall dimensions;
Location of centres of gravity;
Wind sail areas and centre of pressure.
Wind on Suspended Loads

Wind can have a significant effect on suspended loads as shown in Figure 3 leading to an
increase in the load radius or side loadings on jibs. The load due to the wind depends on:
the aerodynamic drag on the load
the area and weight of the load.
Mobile cranes are designed with a standard drag factor of 1.2 and a wind area/weight of 1.2
m/tonne. This means that certain types of loads will produce higher side loads on the crane than
it is designed to take.
. The area/weight and drag factor for some typical loads are:
Load
Area/Weight
Drag Factor cw
Standard values from EN13000
1.2 m/tonne
1.2
12m Container Cabin
14 m/tonne
1.55
System Shutter Panel 3m high x 1.9m wide
42 m/tonne
1.4
5 - 10 m/tonne
1.5 to 1.8
Wind Turbine Rotor
Further guidance on this issue can be found in the Liebherr publication "Influence of Wind on
Crane Operation" See Annex K
28
October 2014
9.3
Plant Configuration
Before obtaining the plant loads and forces, the plant configuration must be established.
Many items of construction plant can be configured for a large number of duties and
each configuration and/or mode of use will give rise to differing ground loads. As an
example the information for a mobile crane will include:
Crane make and model;
Outrigger spread;
Boom extension;
Length and offset of any fly jib;
Hook block and number of falls of hoist rope;
Quantity of counter weight fitted to the crane;
Maximum radius the load will be taken to during the lift together with the pick-up
and lay down radii;
Mass of and centre of gravity of the load to be lifted;
Slew arc for the lifting operations.
Further examples for other type of plant are shown in (Annex G).
9.4
Travelling, Set up and Operating Conditions
When establishing the loads and forces imposed by the plant on the supporting surface
it is important to ensure that all conditions are considered including:
Access/Egress (travelling);
Set up/erection/maintenance;
Operating - fully laden (static and/or travelling);
Operating unladen (static and/or travelling);
Out of service (not in use).
It is often assumed that maximum loads and forces will occur during operation at
maximum capacity. This is not always the case - for example, on some 360
excavators, travelling with an empty bucket and the main boom and dipper at minimum
radius will result in maximum ground pressures under the rear of the tracks (See Figure
4).
The same is true for a mobile crane where the outrigger loads may well be higher
without any load on the hook at minimum radius, due to the backward moment from the
counterweight, than when lifting loads at maximum radius. (See Figure 5 for cranes on
outriggers and Figure 6 for crawler cranes).
NOTE: Outrigger loads for mobile cranes may not include the effects of wind loads on the crane structure.
The manufacturer should be contacted to seek clarification.
29
October 2014
Figure 4 - Crawler Track Pressure Distribution

30
October 2014
Load on Hook
No Load on Hook
Highest loads on front outriggers
Highest loads on rear outriggers
Highest load on outrigger under jib
Highest load on outrigger under c/weight
Highest loads on outriggers nearest load
Highest loads on outriggers under c/weight
Figure 5 - Effect of Load and Position on Outrigger loads
31
October 2014
With the jib in line with the tracks and a load

on the hook there will be an equal triangular
or trapezoidal loading under each track.
If the jib is slewed until it is at right angles to

the tracks the pressure becomes a
rectangular distribution with the track
nearest the load having the greatest
pressure.
As the jib is slewed around until it is over

the end of one track the pressure increases
under that track.
With no load on the hook the pressure is

higher under the rear of the tracks due to
the counterweight.
Figure 6 - Effect of Load and Position on Crawler Track loads
32
October 2014
9.5
Safety Factors for Plant Loads
It would obviously be unacceptable for a structure to fail as soon as it experienced the

full load it was designed to carry. In order to prevent failure the structure needs to be
designed so that it has some extra load carrying capacity in other words a margin of
safety. It should be noted that the presence of a safety margin does not mean that
allowable (rated) loads can be exceeded - it is not spare capacity or overdesign that is
available for intentional use
Information about, for example, the size of the load, the forces involved, the strength of
the material, the ground bearing capacity, etc may be provided in one of two ways:
Working loads or capacities (which include a factor of safety)
or
Ultimate failure values (to which a factor of safety must be applied)
It is essential that the user of this information clearly understands which

approach has been adopted. If they have any reservations about the accuracy of
the information or what factors (if any) have been applied they should seek
clarification from the supplier or their manager before proceeding with the design.
Therefore when obtaining the loads and forces imposed on the ground by construction
plant it is vital to establish if these are factored or unfactored. If this is not established,
additional factors may be applied to an already factored load, resulting in double
application of safety factors and unnecessarily costly ground improvement measures.
On the other hand, if safety factors are not applied to unfactored loads during ground
bearing capacity calculations, this may result in ground bearing failure and plant
overturn. It is essential that the designer carrying out the determination of ground
suitability and the design of any remedial measures is made aware of the status of loads
and forces i.e. are they factored or unfactored.
Factored loads or capacities include a safety factor that the supplier has usually taken
from a national or international code. It is also important for the designer to be sure that
a factor already applied is suitable for the situation being assessed.
A lorry loader imposes a maximum load of 70kN (unfactored) on the foot of each outrigger. The
outrigger foot stands on a 0.5m x 0.5m pad which gives a maximum ground bearing pressure of:
70
= 280kN/m2
(0.5 x 0.5)
The ground on which the lorry loader is standing has an ultimate (unfactored) bearing capacity of
2
600kN/m . A factor of safety of 2 is applied to the ultimate bearing capacity of the ground to give a
maximum permissible bearing capacity of:
600
= 300kN/m2
2
The maximum ground bearing pressure imposed by the lorry loader on the ground is less than the
maximum permissible bearing capacity of the ground and result is therefore acceptable.
See Annex H for further information on factors of safety.
33
October 2014
9.6
Dynamic and Static Loads
The loads imposed on the ground by an item of plant are frequently given as static loads
calculated from masses and centres of gravity of the plant and its load. These may have
to be multiplied by a factor to take account of dynamic effects due to
Vibration due to motors or driving equipment
Slewing
Lurching, braking and acceleration during travel
Acceleration/retardation of load during lifting operations
Impact or sudden release of load
Piling and extraction
Digging
The dynamic factor is not the same as a factor of safety. It only converts the static load
to a dynamic load. The factor of safety has to be applied separately.
Establishing values for all circumstances is beyond the scope of this document but there
are numerous documents that indicate suitable values for dynamic factors, particularly
for travelling vehicles and cranes. The values suggested vary greatly depending on the
type of plant or vehicle being considered but are generally between 1.1 and 2.0.
The exact dynamic factor to be used should be selected by the designer based on the
specific circumstances and giving due consideration to the following
type of ground
type of foundation
maximum speed of travel / movement
regularity and gradient of the travelling surface
rates of acceleration/retardation
smoothness of plant operation
advice from the plant supplier (if necessary)
34
October 2014
10.0 Ground Information

10.1
Introduction
Before the suitability of the ground can be determined information on the ground on
which the plant will stand must be obtained. This can be obtained or compiled from a
number of sources such as:
Site inspection;
A comprehensive ground investigation report for the site;
A comprehensive ground investigation for the plant location;
A blanket maximum permissible bearing pressure for the whole site or part of the
site from a competent source;
Records of demolition contractors on site reinstatement on brownfield sites;
Highways authority;
Owner of premises (Health and safety file);
British Geological Survey records;
Tender site investigations for locality;
Coal authority reports;
Utility location plans.
Once the information has been obtained it should be assessed to ensure that it is
adequate to enable a determination of ground suitability to be made. If the information is
not adequate it will be necessary to obtain more detailed information by either returning
to the original sources of information or arranging for a ground investigation to be carried
out.
The validity of the information should be verified by site inspection (See 10.3)
10.2
Typical Ground Information
Typical ground information required to determine ground suitability includes the following
examples:
Surface type:
o
Soft ground such as topsoil;
Unsurfaced ground;
Surfaced footpath;
Roadway - tarmac or concrete.
Surface properties:
o
Potential for degradation, including wearing
Adverse weather effects;
Resistance to sliding;
Topographical properties:
o
Gradient;
Cross slope;
Flatness
Major and minor obstacles;
35
October 2014
10.3
Make-up of Ground:
o
Soil strata;
Groundwater
Engineering properties
Adjacent/underlying features:
o
Structures (adjacent and underground);
Buried or Surface Services;
Trees;
Embankments;
Retaining walls;
Excavations
Proximity of other plant.
Site Inspection
A site inspection should always be carried out as part of the planning process well in
advance of the start of task. Where basic operations are being carried out in
straightforward circumstances this may be undertaken on arrival of the plant on site.
Example - A large piling rig is needed to install piles to a depth of 35m on a congested site. The
site inspection is required at an early stage to identify the need for any working platform and the
viability of access routes.
Example - An excavator is being used on an open greenfield site to dig trial pits. In this case the
ground conditions site inspection can take place when the machine arrives on site and before
work starts.
The site inspection should include the identification of visual indicators such as:
Topography;
Distressed structures;
Backfilled areas - e.g. cracking/differential settlement e.g. at junction with

undisturbed ground;
Water flow - e.g. streams, ditches, wet areas, land drain indicators;
Rainfall - recent history or likely effect of fresh rainfall;
Service duct access covers;
Adjacent structures;
Trees;
Embankments;
Retaining walls;
Excavations;
Proximity of other plant.
10.4
Assessment of Information Adequacy
The amount and detail of ground information required for plant carrying out a particular
task will depend on a number of factors such as:
36
October 2014
The magnitude of the loads and forces imposed on the ground by the plant;
The zone of influence of the loadings (See Figure 7);
The risk of ground bearing failure;
The consequences of ground bearing failure in terms of both injury/death of site

personnel and the public, together with delays/cost to the project;
Whether or not a large factor of safety can be applied without incurring large
cost/space penalties.
If the ground information is found to be adequate this can be used to input to the
determination of ground suitability. If it is not a ground investigation will need to be
carried out.
10.5
Ground Investigation
As with the assessment of adequacy of information in 7.4, the nature and extent of any
ground investigation will be determined by similar factors. Once these have been
evaluated a suitable investigation should be carried out. The exact requirements for the
investigation will depend on the nature of the loading and any proposals for an
engineered solution. Detailed advice should be obtained from the designer and or the
site investigation specialist to confirm exact requirements.
Requirements will include some or all of the following:
The depth of the investigation will depend on the size of the foundations or
loaded areas (See Figure 7);
Identification of soils and groundwater (if present);
Tests to determine both the engineering properties of soils
Simple on-site tests to confirm the adequacy of the ground investigation during
installation of the support measures and/or the plant.
Table 2 gives basic soil descriptions and indicative SPT and Cu values. More detailed
soil types and characteristics are given in Annex B
NOTE Soil contamination and chemical properties should be considered separately from other
environmental consideration where soil stabilisation techniques such as lime stabilisation are being
evaluated.
10.5.1 On-site tests

Tests carried out on site may include:
Digging of trial pits;
Basic soakage tests;
Penetrometer tests
Hand vane tests to measure undrained shear strength;
Plate bearing tests;
Collection of soil samples by boring or other means.
10.5.2 Laboratory tests

Tests carried out in a laboratory using samples collected on site may include:
Classification;
Compaction;
Compressibility;
Permeability;
37
October 2014
Durability;
Hydraulic cell tests;
Total Stress;
Effective stress;
Rock strength.
10.6
Final Assessment of Information Adequacy
Once the ground investigation has been completed the information obtained should be
assessed to ensure that it is adequate to allow the determination of ground suitability to
be carried out.
GRANULAR MATERIAL
COHESIVE MATERIAL
(Gravels, sands etc)
(Clays)
Very loose SPT < 4 blows/300mm
Very soft Cu < 20
Loose SPT = 4-10 blows/300mm
Soft Cu = 20-40
Can be loosened with a spade easily
Can be moulded easily by light finger

pressure
Medium SPT = 10-30 blows/300mm
Firm Cu = 40-75
Can be excavated by spade with effort
Can be moulded by strong finger pressure
Dense SPT = 30-50 blows/300mm
Stiff Cu = 75-150
Requires pick for excavation; 50mm

wooden peg hard to drive
Cannot be moulded by fingers; can be

indented by thumb.
Very dense SPT - >50
Very stiff Cu >150
Steel pin hard to drive
Can be indented by thumb nail
Key
SPT = Standard Penetration Test
2
Cu = Undrained immediate shear strength (kN/m )

NOTE: Where ground has be excavated and backfilled special care must be taken as the soil
types can be mixed and the compaction may be variable. On backfilled ground a low
compaction figure (loose - granular or soft - cohesive) should be assumed unless an actual
compaction figure can be obtained from the site.
Table 2 - Soil Descriptions and Indicative SPT and Cu Values
38
October 2014
11.0 Determination of Ground Suitability

11.1
Introduction
Once the loads and forces imposed by the plant and the information on the ground have
been obtained, the suitability of the ground can be determined by analysis.
11.2
Transmission and Distribution of Load into the Ground
There are a couple of important principles to understand about the way loads are
transmitted into the ground. The first is the manner in which loads are distributed to the
surface of the ground, especially for outrigger pads. The second is the way ground
pressures are distributed through the underlying soils.
11.2.1 Transmission of loads
To obtain maximum load bearing capacity and keep deformation to a reasonable limit,
the load from the plant must be transmitted to the ground in an effective manner. This
means ensuring that:
Pads used under outriggers need to be both strong enough and stiff enough
Outriggers are placed centrally on pads
Its important to understand that a pad may have enough strength but may not be stiff
enough. If the pad isnt rigid enough, the load will be concentrated on a smaller area in
the middle of the pad. This will result in increased ground pressure which will cause
more deformation and may lead to collapse. (see Figure 5(b))
The strength and stiffness of a pad will depend on the material and the thickness.
Material strengths and stiffness are generally understood but it should be noted that
plastics are stronger than timber but timber is stiffer than plastic, the order being as
follows:
Strength:
steel > aluminium alloy > nylon > polyethylene > hard wood > soft wood
Stiffness:
steel > aluminium alloy > hard wood > soft wood > nylon > polyethylene
Because of this a timber pad may not be able to carry as much as a plastic pad but it will
still be more effective at transmitting the load into the ground because it will spread the
load more evenly over a larger effective area.
What is not generally understood is that the load carrying capacity and stiffness of a pad
isnt proportionate to its thickness. For twice the thickness you actually get four times the
strength! You also get eight times the stiffness!
Looking at this the other way round, people often assume that two pads, one on top of
the other, will be as good as a pad of the same total thickness. However, the two thinner
pads will only provide half the load capacity and would deflect twice as much. This is
due to the two pads sliding over each other as they deflect, known as a "lack of shear
connection".
Example
Consider an 18mm thick 1.2m x 2.4m steel road plate.
Its safe working load will be only about 4 tonnes, which would cause up to 30mm deformation.
Two of these plates would have a safe working load of about 8 tonnes, which would cause the
same deflection.
A plate of the same size but twice as thick (36mm) would have a safe working load of about 16
tonnes, which would cause up to 15mm deformation twice the capacity and half the deflection!
Its also important to understand that the load must be placed in the centre of the pad
(concentric) and not toward the sides (eccentric). If the load is placed to one side it also
39
October 2014
has the effect of concentrating the load on a smaller area, resulting in excessive
deformation and possible collapse. (see Figure 5(c))
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 5 Load transmission to the ground
11.2.2 Distribution of loads

To avoid collapse due to failure of the ground it is important to ensure that:
The contact area must be large enough to give a safe ground bearing pressure
Stresses in the underlying ground must also be at a safe level
At the surface, it is important to make sure the loads are distributed over a large enough
area to avoid punching into the surface. In other words, the ground bearing pressure
must be kept within an acceptable level for the surface and/or underlying ground. If the
bearing pressure imposed is too large, some means of spreading the load must be
provided.
For example, an outrigger foot alone might cause too much pressure. If a pad is added
then the load will be spread and the pressure reduced, avoiding damage to the surface
and preventing possible collapse. (see Figure 6)
40
October 2014
Figure 6 Danger from insufficient bearing area

Below the surface, loads are distributed (dispersed) into the soil structure. The bearing
pressure reduces with depth and the pressures within the ground can be described as a
pressure bulb. The depth of this pressure bulb depends on the width of the contact
area.
Normally the ground will increase in strength as you get deeper but it is important to
understand that the ground can have weak layers below the surface. Sometimes, a
weaker layer might not even be strong enough to carry the reduced pressure. Because
of this, it is possible for a larger outrigger pad to cause un-acceptable loading of an
underlying layer of weak or soft ground, possibly leading to a collapse. (see Figure 7)
Dont assume a bigger pad will always provide a bigger load capacity! you need
to know if there are any underlying softer layers.
41
October 2014
Figure 7 Danger from underlying soft layers
11.3
Analysis
The basic methods of analysis involve determination of :
Equivalent rectangular patch load
Bearing capacity
Settlement
Soil - structure interaction
Foundations are generally designed to either BS 8004:1986 or BS EN 1997-1:2004. BS

8004 uses a permissible stress approach and was superseded in 2010 by BS EN 19771 which, like all Eurocodes uses a limit state approach. Although BS 8004 has been
withdrawn it still provides a useful method of designing simple foundations of the type
frequently required for construction plant.
It is essential that the designer clearly understands which approach is being
adopted. If they have any reservations about the accuracy of the information or
what factors (if any) have been applied they should seek clarification from the
supplier or their manager before proceeding with the design.
Annex F gives a simplified method of ground suitability assessment. This approach is
not a full design - if any doubt exists about the underlying ground or, if the type of
ground is not covered, further advice and/or a formal design should be obtained by
consulting a suitably qualified engineer. Any design must be checked as specified in
12.3.
11.4
Results of Analysis
Once the analysis has been completed the results should be reviewed to determine
whether or not the ground is suitable to support the plant. If it is suitable the outcome of
the assessment should be given to the relevant personnel in writing (See Section 14).
42
October 2014
If the ground is not found to be suitable either of the following steps must be taken
before proceeding with task:
Design measures to ensure ground suitability (See Section 12)
Design measures to reduce imposed loads (See Section 13)
A contractor was carrying out stabilization work on a previously capped and grassed
iron ore mineshaft in Cumbria when the ground around the top of the shaft collapsed
and one of the contractor's drilling rigs fell into the hole. The rig operator was rescued
by a local resident. The ground failure resulted in eight nearby properties being
evacuated. (Whitehaven News) In some instances where risk of ground failure cannot
be ruled out (eg due to lack of accurate records or survey data) remote (radio control)
operation may be the only option using small plant with automated feed.
43
October 2014
12.0 Selection and Design of Measures to Ensure Ground Suitability

12.1
Introduction
If the final assessment of ground suitability indicates that the ground cannot safely bear
the loads imposed on it by the plant one of the steps that can be taken is to modify the
ground to improve its bearing capacity. Ground improvement should only be undertaken
following consultation with a suitably qualified engineer.
12.2
Ground Improvement Measures
Techniques to improve the load bearing capacity of the ground on which plant is
standing can include:
12.2.1 Construction of a granular working platform
A working platform is an area of ground on which a platform has been constructed with
sufficient strength to support an item of plant such as a piling rig, crane or other heavy
equipment.
The design of working platforms is addressed in:
BRE publication BR470 Working platforms for tracked plant;
Temporary Works Forum - Working Platforms - Design of granular working

platforms for construction plant -A guide to good practice
12.2.2 Ground improvement

Ground improvement techniques to improve the bearing capacity of the ground include:
Soil stabilization - the use of lime, cement or other binder materials to

geotechnically improve areas of weak soil into a construction material that can
safely withstand applied loads;
Grouting - pressure grouting the ground with a high viscosity mortar in a pattern
designed to suit the specific features of the site;
Vibro compaction - the use of a vibroflot to increase the compaction of loose

granular soils;
Vibro stone columns - a bore hole created by a vibroflot is filled with stone and
compacted by a vibrating poker to provide an adequate foundation;
Dynamic compaction - a weight of between 5 and 20 tonnes is dropped from

height by a crane to consolidate the ground;
Rapid impact compaction - utilizes a hydraulic piling hammer fitted with a steel
foot of 1m to 1.5m diameter which produces settlement. The settled area is then
backfilled with granular material.
12.2.3 Strengthening existing structures

Techniques for temporarily strengthening existing structures include:
Back propping - propping installed at levels below the slab that supports the
plant in order to distribute the load on the uppermost slab to suitable supports,
such as lower slabs or the foundations
Back filling - use of self compacting or rolled layers of material to temporarily fill
or level an excavation, void or basement to allow plant movement or work;
Shoring - the use of a proprietary or bespoke system to support the sides of an

excavation or walls of a structure;
Bracing - linking adjacent isolated columns or beams to enable them to work

together with improved capacity;
44
October 2014
Buttressing - low volume steelwork or high volume loose stone, bagged stone or
gabion box structure to stiffen or stabilise a wall - eg a retaining wall - by
increasing base width and adding resistance to overturning or buckling;
Encasing - structural bolted steel frame to eg stiffen/strengthen columns;
Bridging - installation of a load bearing deck resting on eg shear walls or building

cores or behind excavation faces and spanning weaker areas to allow plant to
move or stand.
In some instances it may be cost effective to permanently strengthen all or part of an

existing structure to carry new temporary construction loads.
Assessment of the load capacity of the structure must take into account existing
loadings plus the full range of forces added by the plant due to, for example,
acceleration, braking, slewing, tool forces, vibration, and additional windage if
exposed. Incidents and structural damage have occurred in the past where the full
range of operations and loads have not been considered. For example additional
local loading during attendance by a towed refuelling bowser; use of arisings (e.g.
demolition or excavated material) to build a ramp to enable a small demolition
excavator to track between floors; use of back props mid-span on a precast plank
floor leading to hogging of the unladen half, tensile loading of the unreinforced face
and failure.
In situations where plant load needs to be shared between an existing structure and
the ground it can be particularly difficult to assess the likelihood of differential
settlement. The potential for this should be considered and where plant would be
sensitive to it monitoring may be needed. This problem can also arise where
compacted fill materials level areas of varying depth or density or crossed by old
structures.
NOTE: Detailed advice on shoring is given in the CPA Good Practice Guide on Management of Shoring in
Excavations
12.2.4 Construction of a mass or reinforced concrete foundation

Concrete foundations are often used for tower cranes, large mobile cranes and batching
plants. Such foundations require the design to be carried out by competent engineers in
accordance with appropriate standards such as the Eurocodes.
NOTE: Detailed advice on the design of concrete foundations for tower cranes is given in Tower Crane
Stability, 2006. CIRIA C654. Construction Industry Research and Information Association.
12.2.5 Construction of a piled foundation

Where ground conditions are particularly poor and the imposed loads are large, a piled
foundation is often the only solution.
12.2.6 Steel or timber grillages
A grillage consists of a number of substantial steel or timber members which are laid out
on the ground and connected together to spread the loads from an item of plant into the
ground.
Steel grillages connected to the permanent works are sometimes used to support tower
cranes without base ballast. In such cases the designer must ensure that all loads and
forces applied to the grillage by the crane are taken into account in the design.
12.3
Design Check
Once a design solution has been determined the design should be checked in
accordance with Table 1 of BS 5975 for concept, adequacy, correctness and
compliance with the requirements of the design brief. This check should be carried out
by a competent person who is generally independent from those responsible for the
design. The ability of the checker and his remoteness or independence from the
45
October 2014
temporary works designer should be greater where new ideas are incorporated or the
temporary works are complex. Table 1 of BS 5975 allocates four categories requiring
different levels of independence which are related to the risk and consequences of
failure of the design.
As large scale and complex designs take a significant amount of time to carry out, it
should be born in mind that the checking process will also be time consuming.
12.4
Once the design and design check have been completed, the results should be
reviewed to determine whether or not the ground is suitable to support the plant. If it is
suitable the outcome of the assessment should be given to the relevant personnel in
writing (See Section 14).
If the ground is not found to be suitable, additional measures must be taken before
proceeding with task. These may include design measures to reduce imposed loads
(See Section 13).
12.5
Post Construction Inspection
Following construction or installation of the ground improvement measures an inspection

should be carried out to ensure that they have been constructed to the design
specification. The results of the inspection should be recorded in writing and kept in a
"Technical File" containing appropriate design and construction details for the measures,
including photographs taken during construction.
12.6
Maintenance
Although most items of plant are in position for a relatively short period of time the
designer should consider the need for inspection and maintenance of the foundation and
ensure that where it is required the requirements and intervals for inspection and
maintenance are specified. Those responsible for the construction and use of the
foundation should ensure that these instructions are followed.
46
October 2014
13.0 Selection and Design of Measures to Reduce Imposed Loads

13.1
Introduction
If the final assessment of ground suitability indicates that the ground cannot safely bear
the loads imposed on it by the plant one of the steps that can be taken is to reduce the
loads imposed on the ground by the plant. This can include measures such as:
Re-selection of the plant;
Re-siting of the plant
Reduction of task loads (e.g. splitting of loads);
The use of proprietary support equipment.
13.2
Reselection of the Plant
Loads imposed on the ground by plant can sometimes be reduced by changing the
model or type of plant selected. For example a wheeled mobile crane with outriggers
may impose higher loads on the ground than a crawler mounted crane of similar
capacity.
13.3
Re-siting of the Plant
Ground bearing loads can sometimes be reduced if the plant can be re-sited to reduce
the load radius and hence the load moment. This will depend on the geometry of the
site.
13.4
Reduction of Task Loads
Reduction of the task load by, for example splitting the load into lighter parts, may have
two benefits. Firstly it may reduce the loads imposed by the selected plant or it may
enable a smaller machine to be used.
13.5
Use of Proprietary Support Equipment
The loads imposed on the ground by an item of plant can often be significantly reduced
by the use of proprietary support equipment. Some examples are given in Annex C.
NOTE: Care should be taken to ensure that proprietary support equipment is stiff enough to ensure that the
load is spread effectively.
13.6
Design Check
Once a design solution has been determined the design should be checked in
accordance with 12.3
13.7
Once the design and design check have been completed, the results should be
reviewed to determine whether or not the ground is suitable to support the plant. If it is
suitable the outcome of the assessment should be given to the relevant personnel in
writing (see Section 14).
If the ground is not found to be suitable, additional measures must be taken before
proceeding with task. These may include design measures to ensure ground suitability
(See Section 12) or reduce loads.
13.8
Post Installation Checks
Following construction or installation of the load reduction measures an inspection

should be carried out to ensure that they have been provided and installed in line with
the design specification. The results of the inspection should be recorded in writing.
47
October 2014
13.9
Maintenance
Although most items of plant are in position for a relatively short period of time the
designer should consider the need for maintenance of the load reduction measures and
ensure that where it is required the requirements and intervals for maintenance are
specified. Those responsible for the implementation and use of the load reduction
measures should ensure that these instructions are followed.
48
October 2014
14.0 Communication
14.1
Introduction
As with all parts of the construction process, effective communication is vital to ensure
that ground supported plant can operate safely and efficiently. Once the ground
suitability assessment and the design of any necessary ground improvement or load
reduction measures have been completed, the relevant personnel must be informed, in
writing, of the design solutions, limiting parameters and required actions. At this stage it
is essential that the recipient's understanding of the information is assessed. If their
understanding of the process is not clear steps must be taken to remedy this before any
work is started.
14.2
Information
Information should be provided in a clear, concise form which is specific to the particular
task and not padded out with unnecessary generic data. Notes on drawings are
particularly helpful. All written information should have a date of issue and revision
status.
14.3
Briefing and Feedback
Those responsible for implementing any ground improvement or load reduction

measures must ensure that the people carrying out the work are properly briefed and
supervised, and that any difficulties in understanding or carrying out the designers
instructions are immediately fed back, so that appropriate amendments may be made.
14.4
Changes
It is essential that any changes that occur, such as to the plant, task or ground, are
communicated to the relevant personnel so that appropriate action can be taken in line
with a formal change process. The personnel involved may include designers, appointed
persons (lifting), temporary works coordinators. In any event the person supervising the
operation must be notified. The use of a formal change process will ensure that all
parties are working with the latest information and that any changes have been
authorised.
Example - A working platform for a piling rig
was constructed, using a geotextile
membrane, on marshy ground alongside a live
railway line. To remove an obstruction the
contractor dug a trench in the platform, which
damaged the critical geotextile membrane. The
trench was then poorly backfilled. When the rig
crossed the trench the ground settled under
one side causing the piling rig to overturn
across the live railway lines, bringing down a
25,000 volt overhead catenary. Fortunately no
one was injured but the railway line was closed
for three days.
Whilst senior construction managers knew how critical the piling platform was and expected
junior managers to tell the engineering department about the need for repairs. The HSE
investigation found that junior site managers were not aware of this procedure and did not
understand how critical the design was. HSE said that "Better communications, including
explanation of safety critical parts of the job and better monitoring of the work would have
prevented this incident."
Uncontrolled changes are a major cause of accidents involving ground failure
49
October 2014
Annex A Calculation of Plant Loads and Forces

The loads and forces imposed on the ground by an item of plant are due to some or all
of the following factors:
the dead weight of the plant
the position of the centre of gravity of the plant
the dead weight of the load (if any)
the position of the centre of gravity of the load (if any)
the magnitude of wind loads
the position of the centre of pressure
the position of supporting structures (e.g. crawler tracks, wheels, outriggers
the position of the tipping line
dynamic factors
The reactions at the supports (wheels, tracks, outriggers etc) can be calculated if the
weights of components and their centres of gravity are known, by moment calculations
taken about the supports. Figure A1 shows an example of the calculation of the wheel
reactions of a boom type MEWP.
Examples of calculation methods for outrigger loads on loader cranes and track bearing
pressures for piling rigs are available as follows:
Lorry Loaders (Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers)
ALLMI Guidance Note GN013 Stabilizer Forces
http://www.allmi.com
Piling Rigs (Federation of Piling Specialists)
Calculation of Track Bearing Pressures for Platform Design
Rig Loading Spreadsheet
http://www.fps.org.uk/fps/guidance/platforms/platforms_trackpressurecalc.php
50
October 2014
Take moments about RB

WBase x LBase = RA x LWheelbase + FWind x HCentre of Pressure + W Boom x LBoom + W Platform x LPlatform + W Load x LLoad
RA = WBase x LBase (FWind x HCentre of Pressure + WBoom x LBoom + W Platform x LPlatform + W Load x LLoad)
LWheelbase
Take moments about RA
RB x LWheelbase = W Base x (LWheelbase - LBase ) + FWind x HCentre of Pressure + W Boom x (LBoom + LWheelbase) + W Platform x (LPlatform + LWheelbase) + W Load x (LLoad + LWheelbase)
RB = WBase x (LWheelbase - LBase ) + FWind x HCentre of Pressure + W Boom x (LBoom + LWheelbase) + W Platform x (LPlatform + LWheelbase) + W Load x (LLoad + LWheelbase)
LWheelbase
Figure A1 - Example of Calculation of Wheel Reactions for a Boom Type MEWP
51
October 2014
Annex B - Soil Types and Characteristics

Category
Types of rocks and soils
Rocks
Strong igneous and gneissic rocks in sound condition
Investigation Description
SPT Value
Cu Value
Presumed allowable
bearing value
kN/m2
N/A
N/A
10,000
Strong limestones and strong sandstones
N/A
N/A
4,000
Schists and slates
N/A
N/A
3,000
Strong shales, strong mudstones and strong siltstones
N/A
N/A
2,000
>50
N/A
>600
Can be excavated with a spade with effort
10 - 30
N/A
< 200 to 600
Can be loosened with spade easily ; 50mm wooden peg can be easily
driven
4 - 10
N/A
< 200
Requires pick for excavation; 50mm peg hard to drive
30 - 50
N/A
> 300
Medium dense sand
Can be excavated with a spade with effort
10 - 30
N/A
100 to 300
Loose sand
Can be loosened with spade easily ; 50mm wooden peg can be easily
driven
4 - 10
N/A
< 100
Very stiff boulder clays and hard clays
Can be indented by thumb nail; cannot be moulded, crumbles
N/A
>150
300 to 600
Stiff clays
Can be indented subjectively slightly by thumb; crumbles in rolling thread;

remoulds
N/A
70 - 150
Firm clays
Thumb makes impression easily; cannot be moulded by

fingers; rolls to thread
N/A
40 - 75
Soft clays and silts
Finger pushed in up to 10 mm; moulded by light finger pressure
N/A
20 - 40
<75
Very soft clays and silts
Finger easily pushed in up to 25 mm; exudes between fingers
N/A
<20
Nil
Peat and
organic soils
Firm organic material/Medieval fill
Can be indented by thumbnail.
N/A
N/A
Made ground
or fill
Unidentifiable made ground
Bearing values depend on the likelihood of voids and the compressibility of

the made ground
N/A
N/A
Engineered Fill
Consult the designer
N/A
N/A
Non-cohesive
soils
(Sand and
Gravel)
Cohesive
soils
(Clays and Silt)
Dense gravel, or dense sand and gravel
Steel pin hard to drive (not to be used in areas with underground services)
Medium dense gravel or medium dense sand and gravel

Loose gravel or loose sand and gravel
Compact sand
150 to 300
75 to 150
20 to 40
25 to 50
Variable
Table B1 - Presumed allowable bearing values under static loading

NOTES
1.
Cu = undrained cohesion or the resistance due to the forces tending to bond or hold the soil particles together in a solid mass.
2.
SPT (Standard Penetration Test) is a dynamic, in situ penetration test used for providing information on geotechnical engineering properties of soil. This test procedure is described in and regulated by the British
Standard BS1377 9:1990 and Eurocode 7.
The test takes place inside a borehole, using a sample tube. The sample tube is driven from the bottom of the borehole into the ground using a hammer, which is dropped freely . The test results are deduced
through the number of blows needed to drive the tube each 75mm into the ground. The standard penetration resistance or N-value is calculated by the sum of the number of blows required for the last four 75mm
increments of penetration, to a maximum of 50 blows.
An SPT is particularly used to indicate relative density of granular deposits.
3.
Approximate conversion factors 100 kN/m2 = 1 tonf/ft2. = 10 ton/m2.
4.
Data Sources BS 5930:1999, BS 8004:1986 and Structural Engineer's Pocket Book:2004
52
October 2014
Annex C - Typical Equipment Used to Spread Loads

C.1
Timber Mats
Timber mats, often known as bog mats or navvy mats consist of hardwood beams
bolted together to form mats of various sizes (see Table D1). They are generally made
from European Oak or tropical hardwoods such as Ekki, Dabema, Mora or Cumaru.
These species give a durable mat with high resistance to wear.
Table C1 gives a typical range of mat sizes, whilst bespoke mats are available from
most suppliers. Mats can be hired or purchased.
5m x 1m x 70mm
5m x 1m x 100mm
5m x 1m x 150mm
5m x 1m x 200mm
4m x 1m x 70mm
3m x 1m x 100mm
3m x 1m x 150mm
Table C1 - Typical Mat Sizes
C.2
Positioning of Timber Mats
Trackway
Trackway is a generic term for aluminium or polypropylene roadway systems consisting

of panels of various sizes and thicknesses which can be joined together to form
temporary roadways, ground protection and pedestrian walkways. They are generally
used for access and have limited ability to spread large concentrated loads.
Trackway can be purchased or hired with or without an installation service.
Trackway Installation
C.3
MEWP on Trackway
Proprietary Systems
Proprietary aluminium mat system made up of interlocking sections which can be

combined to produce a mat with an area of 3.0 m2 or 1.3m2.
3.0m Mat
Layered Configuration
53
October 2014
C.4
Outrigger Pads
There are a number of proprietary outrigger pads available, made from plywood and
various type of plastic such as nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene. They are supplied
in a range of sizes from 800mm to 1500mm in diameter and 400mm square to 1200mm
square in thicknesses up to 100mm. Pads carried on cranes, MEWPs and concrete
pumps tend to be limited in area to sizes which can be manually handled.
As these pads tend to have a smooth surface, care should be taken to ensure that
outrigger feet do not slip off the pads in wet or icy conditions. Some pads are
manufactured with a recess to locate the outrigger feet. Where pads are placed onto
surfaces such as crushed concrete or other large granular material - a blinding layer
may be needed to avoid point loading and pad damage. For longer term use a blinding
material should be used that will not wash out.
Plywood Pad
Plastic Pad with Recess
Telehandler Outriggers on Round Pads
MEWP Outriggers on Pads and Timbers
C.5
Bespoke Spreader Pads
Bespoke spreader pads can be fabricated in both aluminium and steel and are generally
of cellular construction to provide stiffness with minimum weight.
Steel Pad after Fabrication

Steel Pad in Use

54
October 2014
Annex D - Precautions When Using Outrigger Pads

Where the ground is not strong enough to support the pressure exerted by plant
outrigger feet, pads or mats are frequently used to reduce the pressure imposed on the
ground by the machine. The size of pad required may be determined using the simplified
method of ground assessment detailed in Annex E.
The following notes set out the limitations for using Annex E information. They are
based on sensible principles for the safe use of pads. They also set out simple limits for
the location where pads can readily be used. In essence the flatter, more consistent
and firmer the ground, the more likely it will be that pads offer an effective solution to
ensuring plant stability. The examples given cannot cover all situations and
additional geotechnical advice may be needed. In particular, use on waterlogged or soft
or loose ground will not be possible without additional work.
D.1
Proximity to Slopes and Excavations
Plant should not be positioned near to the edge of trenches and other excavations as
these are likely to collapse without warning. If the machine needs to be used close to the
edge of a slope or excavation, with the outriggers or wheels in the danger area, an
engineering assessment must be carried out by a competent geotechnical engineer
before the machine is set up and operated.
D must not be less than 4B

and
D + d must not be less than
2H
Figure D1 - Proximity to Slopes and Excavations
D.2
Outrigger Pad Stiffness
It is essential that outrigger pads are sufficiently stiff to ensure that load is spread over
the area of the pad. If the pad isnt rigid enough, the load will be concentrated on a
smaller area in the middle of the pad. This will result in increased ground pressure which
will cause more deformation and possibly lead to collapse. (see 11.2.1 and Figure D2)
D.3
Positioning of Outrigger Pad and the Outrigger on the Pad
If the outrigger pad is not located on level ground and the outrigger foot is not located
centrally on the pad the load will not be spread evenly and will create increased local
ground pressure which may well lead to collapse (see Figure D3).
Examples of good and bad practice are shown in Figure D4.
NOTE: Where pads are made up of a number of elements, such as individual timbers, these elements must
be fastened securely to ensure the integrity of the pad under load.
55
October 2014
Figure D2 - Examples of Outrigger Pads with Insufficient Stiffness
Offset outrigger
causes pad to tilt
Load concentrated
on one edge of the
pad causing
failure of the
ground
Figure D3 - Example of the Effect of an Offset Outrigger on a Pad
56
October 2014
Correct
Foot not centred on pad
Pad over hollow
Hollow filled in and compacted
Loose material washed out by rain
Outrigger positioned over void
Pad on slope
Slope levelled (not asphalt)
Figure D4 - Examples of Good and Bad Practice
57
October 2014
Annex E - Ground Capacity for Outrigger Pads - Simplified Method

The following section provides a general indication of the safe working load capacity of
various soils and surfaces depending on the size of the loaded area and the type of soil
or surface. Annex D should be read before using the information in this annex.
The maximum outrigger load is limited to 25 tonnes, if larger outrigger loads are to be
applied, a formal design will be needed.
This is not a full design - if any doubt exists about the underlying ground or, if the
type of ground is not covered, further advice and/or a formal design should be
obtained.
Important things to check are:
Is the groundwater table less than B below the surface?
Are there any underlying soft layers, man-made structures or natural voids less
than 3 x B below the surface?
CAUTION! even if the underlying ground is strong enough, other things to remember
are:
If the pad is too small the surfacing could crack or you could cause a depression;
Topsoil will compress until the pad finds more solid underlying ground ideally
pads should be placed directly on the underlying firm soils;
If you are near to a retaining wall of top of embankment, a formal engineering

assessment will still be needed (See Figure D1).
If all the above are OK then the safe working load (SWL) can be found by the following
steps:
1. Determine the nature of the ground by inspecting the surface, carrying out simple
tests and/or requesting suitable information from those who are likely to have it;
2. Find out what the outrigger load will be;
NOTE: The load on an outrigger can be a substantial proportion of the combined gross vehicle
weight and any load being carried or lifted.
3. Select a pad and find out the safe working load the pad has been designed to
carry;
4. Look up the safe working load for the pad shape/size and ground/surface type in
the table;
5. Use the lower value out of the SWL for the pad and the SWL for the
ground/surface.
Annex F gives some examples of the application of this method.
58
October 2014
Pad
Shape
circle
square
rectangle
width/
diameter
B (m)
Safe Working Loads (tonnes)
Length
L (m)
car parks,
minor public &
private roads
major public
roads
soft clay, silt

and peat
firm/stiff clay
very stiff clay
loose made
ground
naturally
occurring
compacted
sand/gravel
0.3
2.1
4.0
0.0
1.2
3.9
0.1
0.1
0.45
4.0
6.4
0.0
2.7
8.9
0.2
0.5
4.7
15.7
0.5
1.1
0.6
6.4
9.5
0.0
0.75
9.5
13.1
0.0
7.4
24.6
1.0
2.1
10.6
25.0
1.7
3.7
0.9
13.1
17.3
0.0
1.2
22.2
25.0
0.0
18.9
25.0
4.1
8.7
25.0
25.0
7.9
17.0
1.5
25.0
25.0
0.0
0.3
0.3
2.7
5.1
0.0
1.5
5.0
0.1
0.2
0.45
0.45
5.1
8.2
0.0
3.4
11.3
0.4
0.8
0.6
0.6
8.2
12.1
0.0
6.0
20.0
0.9
1.8
0.75
0.75
12.1
16.7
0.0
9.4
25.0
1.7
3.6
0.9
0.9
16.7
22.1
0.0
13.5
25.0
2.9
6.2
1.2
1.2
25.0
25.0
0.0
24.1
25.0
6.9
14.7
1.5
1.5
25.0
25.0
0.0
25.0
25.0
13.5
25.0
1.2
0.6
12.9
17.4
0.0
10.2
25.0
3.5
7.4
25.0
0.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
25.0
2.4
1.2
25.0
NOTES:
1. An overall factor of safety of 3 has been applied throughout
2. Values in bold italics have been restricted to the nominal maximum of 25T
3. Generally in accordance with BS8004 with bearing capacities calculated using Brinch-Hanson as per Tomlinson
4. For public roads in the table the formation is assumed to be firm clay and loads are taken to be dispersed at 2v:1h through a total 250mm surfacing + sub-base
5. For car parks and private roads the formation is assumed to be firm clay and loads are taken to be dispersed at 2v:1h through a total 100mm surfacing + sub-base
Table E1 - Safe Working Loads for Differing Ground Conditions and Mat Sizes
59
October 2014
Annex F - Examples of the Application of Annex E

Machine type
Lorry Loader
MEWP
Concrete Boom
Description of the
task
Delivery of building materials to a domestic

property.
High level maintenance on a block of flats
Placing of concrete on a construction site
Plant selected
12 tonne-metre lorry loader, with a brick grab

attachment.
13 metre working height tracked MEWP with

"spider" type outriggers.
36m vertical reach vehicle mounted concrete

placing boom.
Assessment of the
loads and forces.
Using the figure stated in the manufacturer's

handbook the corresponding manufacturer's
figure is 70kN (7.14 tonnes) under each
stabilizer foot.
Using the figure stated in the manufacturer

figure is 12.5kN (1.27 tonnes) under each
outrigger.
Using the figure stated in the manufacturer

figure is 190kN (19.37 tonnes) under each
outrigger.
Description of the
ground, assessment
of the load bearing
capacity and required
size of
outrigger/stabilizer
pad.
A 0.6m x0.6m x 0.030m HDPE pad has a

rated capacity of 13 tonnes, therefore OK.
The delivery site is a private road. Looking at
the "Car parks, minor public and private roads"
column in Table E1 in Annex E, a 0.6m x
0.6m pad gives a maximum allowable imposed
load of 8.2 tonnes, therefore OK.
A 0.3m x 0.3m x 0.030 HDPE pad has a rated

capacity of 5 tonnes, therefore OK.
The machine is to be set up on a grassed
area. Investigation of soil under turf indicates a
firm clay which can be moulded by strong
finger pressure (see 10.5 Table 2). Looking at
"Firm/Stiff clay" column in Table E1 in Annex
E, a 0.3m x 0.3m pad gives a maximum
allowable imposed load of 1.5 tonnes,
therefore OK.
A 1.5m x 1.5m x 0.1m HDPE pad has a rated

capacity of 200 tonnes, therefore OK.
The machine is to be set up on soil.
Investigation of ground on site indicates a
medium dense sand/gravel which can be
excavated using a spade with effort (see 10.5
Table 2). Looking at the "naturally occurring
compacted sand/gravel" column in Table E1
of Annex E, a 1.5m x 1.5m pad gives a
maximum allowable imposed load of 25.0
tonnes, therefore OK.
Example
60
October 2014
Annex G - Examples of Typical Configuration and Loading Information

Machine Type
Telehandler
Piling Rig
360Excavator - Wheeled
360Excavator - Tracked
Typical Example
Configuration
Information for
Loading
Information
Requests
Typical Loading
Information
Machine make and model
Fork length
Jib configuration
Bucket size
Bucket size
Attachments (if any)
Counter ballast
Dipper length
Dipper length
Track spread
Load mass
Load radius
Machine weight - laden and

unladen;

unladen;

unladen;

unladen;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Track pressures;
Wheel loads;
Track dimensions;
Outrigger loads;
Crawler track pressures;
Track and wheelbase

dimensions;
Track centres;
Wheel loads
Limiting in-service wind speed
Wheel pressures
Crawler track length, width and

centres;
Outrigger loads;
Dynamic load effects.
Outrigger pad sizes;
Outrigger centres;
Moments.
NOTE: Working platform design is

covered in detail in BRE 470 "Working
platforms for tracked plant"
61
October 2014
Machine Type
Wheeled Mobile Crane
Crawler Mobile Crane
Tower Crane
Lorry Loader
Typical Example
Configuration
Information for
Loading
Information
Requests
Typical Loading
Information
Jib configuration
Jib configuration
Height under hook
Boom system C of G
Counter ballast
Counter ballast
Jib length
Stabilizer beam spread
Outrigger spread
Track spread
Rated capacity
Load mass
Load mass
Load mass
Counter ballast
Load radius
Load radius
Load radius
Base type
Column offset

unladen;

unladen;
Vertical forces;
Lorry weight and payload;
Horizontal forces;
Overall footprint area;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Torsional Forces;
Stabilizer loads;
Outrigger loads;
Track pressures;
Moments;
Stabilizer beam spread;
Outrigger foot dimensions;
Track dimensions;
Stabilizer foot dimensions;
Outrigger centres;
Track centres;
Limiting in-service wind speed;
Dynamic load effects;
Wheel and axle loads when

travelling.
NOTE: Tower crane base design is

covered in detail in CIRIA C654 Tower
Crane Stability
62
October 2014
Machine Type
Vehicle Mounted MEWP
Self Propelled Boom MEWP
Scissor MEWP
Spider MEWP
Typical Example
Configuration
Information for
Loading
Information
Requests
Typical Loading
Information

unladen;

unladen;

unladen;

unladen;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Outrigger loads;
Wheel loads
Wheel loads
Track pressures;
Wheel bearing pressures;
Wheel bearing pressures;
Track dimensions;
Outrigger centres;
Wheel centres;
Track centres;
Wheel loads (if applicable)
Wheel centres;
Outrigger loads;
Outrigger centres;
63
October 2014
Machine Type
Dumper
Skid Steer Loader
Tipper Truck
Concrete Boom
Typical Example
Configuration
Information for
Loading
Information
Requests
Typical Loading
Information

unladen;

unladen;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Wheel loads
Wheel loads;
Wheel pressures;
Track and wheelbase

dimensions;
Wheel centres;
Jib configuration
Outrigger spread

unladen;

unladen;
Overall dimensions;
Overall dimensions;
Wheel loads (travelling &

tipping);
Outrigger loads;
Wheel pressures (travelling &

tipping);
Outrigger centres;
Wheel centres;
64
October 2014
Annex H - Factors of Safety

H.1
Global Factor of Safety
The margin of safety is traditionally represented by a Factor of Safety (FoS). The FoS is the extra
capacity available in the system so that if the design information is slightly inaccurate it does not mean
that collapse will always occur. Good design practice allows the extra capacity to be reduced where
the designer is confident that the information they are working from is accurate. Conversely, where
the information is less detailed or contains more assumptions the FoS needs to be increased. The
FoS might be more correctly called a "factor of uncertainty".
There are two ways a FoS is normally used.
1. The maximum capacity of a structure is divided by the maximum load to be imposed to give
the FoS and this is checked against an acceptable minimum FoS.
Example: If the minimum FoS is 2, A crane pad is sized to take 100 tonne and the load is 80
tonne, then the FoS = 100/80 = 1.25. The FoS is less than the minimum, so the crane pad is
too small. If the crane pad is resized to carry 200 tonne, then FoS = 200/80 = 2.5; FoS is now
greater than the minimum, so the larger pad is acceptable.
2. The maximum capacity of a structure is divided by a fixed acceptable FoS to give an allowable
working capacity
Example: If the maximum capacity of a crane pad is 200 tonne and the accepted FoS is 2, the
allowable working capacity is 200/2 = 100 tonne.
The magnitude of the FoS is related to the accuracy of the predicted loads and capacity of the
supporting structure. The more unsure the designer is about the accuracy of any aspect of the design,
such as load information, ground bearing information and calculation methods, the larger is the FoS
that should be used.
Low Certainty
needs a high
Factor of Safety
High Certainty
allows a lower
Factor of Safety
Figures H1 & H2 show that if the uncertainty of the design is high, a large safety factor is used giving
a lower safe working load. On the other hand, if the designer is confident that the uncertainty is low
(i.e. the accuracy is high) a smaller safety factor may be used, giving a higher safe working load.
The CIRIA publication Crane Stability on Site gives an example of a 30 tonne capacity mobile crane
operating on outriggers on dense to very dense sandy gravel. For a maximum outrigger load of 33
tonne the required area of outrigger pad is 1.4m with a safety factor of 3. Where a full geotechnical
investigation of the specific location of the crane has been carried out, the CIRIA document suggests
that the safety factor may be reduced to 1.5 giving an outrigger pad area of 0.7m (i.e. half the
original).
Whilst reducing the size of a mobile crane outrigger pad may not be of great significance, if a
significant amount of work is required to prepare the ground for plant the magnitude of the safety
factor will have a considerable effect on cost. It may well be that spending a relatively small amount
money on a ground investigation and a formal design will enable a lower safety factor to be used,
giving significant savings in the cost of ground preparation.
The choice of FoS is the responsibility of the designer and is generally based on Standards or other
design codes, taking account of the quality of the ground and loading information.
H.2
Partial Factors
A new approach introduced by the Eurocodes is the use of partial factors where loads are split into
three categories: permanent, variable and accidental and different factors are applied to each
category. The magnitude of each factor reflects the probability of an unfavourable deviation from the
characteristic value, inaccuracies in the calculation method and the consequences of failure. The
outcome is a more accurate prediction of the performance of a structure (including ground) than the
application of a single factor of safety.
65
October 2014
NOTE: When using limit state design codes such as the Eurocodes it may be beneficial to request loads which are split
(permanent, variable and accidental), so that partial factors may be applied.
Low
Higher FoS
Needed
Higher FoS
Higher FoS
Medium
Intermediate
FoS
Intermediate
FoS
Higher FoS
High
Accuracy of Ground Assessment
Figure H1 - Explanation of Safety Factors
Lower FoS
Needed
Intermediate
FoS
Higher FoS
High
Medium
Low
Accuracy of Plant Information

Figure H2 - Safety Factors Depend on Accuracy of
Information and Assessment
66
October 2014
Annex I - Legal Framework

I.1
Introduction
The law places duties on persons concerned with the setting up and use of construction plant on
construction sites. This Section outlines those legal duties and points the reader towards further
relevant guidance material.
NOTE: Northern Ireland has its own set of regulations which tend to mirror those in Great Britain, but may have minor
differences. Employers should ensure that they are aware of the regulations in the jurisdiction in the which they are
working.
I.2
The Law Outlined
Legislation relating to the use of construction plant at work includes the:
Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007/SI320
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999/SI3242
Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998/SI2306
Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998/SI2307
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008/SI1597
I.3
Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA)
HSWA places a duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and others who may
be affected by their work activities. Similar duties are placed on the self-employed and persons in
control of premises. Employees, managers and directors also have responsibilities. The HSWA also
places a duty on construction plant owners and users, where their work activity involves plant being
used where it could affect the general public.
I.4
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM)
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations place duties on duty holders including
clients, designers and contractors for the planning, management and monitoring of health, safety and
welfare in construction projects and of the co-ordination of the performance of these duties by duty
holders. These include a duty on every person working under the control of another to report anything
that he is aware is likely to endanger health or safety. The Regulations impose additional duties on
clients, designers and contractors where the project is notifiable, defined as likely to involve more than
30 days or 500 person days of construction work. These include the duty of the client to appoint a
CDM coordinator and a Principal Contractor.
NOTE: The CDM 2007 Regulations are currently under review and this document will be revised to reflect any changes
once new regulations are in force
I.5
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR)
Under MHSWR, employers and self-employed people are required to assess risks to health and
safety from their undertaking. This includes risks from the setting up and use of construction plant on
their premises. The risk assessment should identify what measures are needed to comply with health
and safety requirements and control risk. The duty holder should then put in place the organisation
and arrangements to ensure that those measures are properly implemented. MHSWR also requires
employers on multi occupancy sites to co-operate with each other to ensure that all statutory
provisions are complied with.
I.6
The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
PUWER is concerned with such matters as selection of appropriate work equipment, safeguarding of
dangerous parts of machinery, provision of appropriate controls, and maintenance of work equipment
including construction plant.
PUWER places duties on any person who has control to any extent of:
work equipment;
67
October 2014
a person at work who uses, supervises or manages the use of work equipment or
the way in which work equipment is used at work (including maintenance).
PUWER applies to employers in respect of work equipment provided for, or used by, their employees,
self-employed persons in respect of work equipment they use and other persons, e.g. visitors.
I.7
The Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
LOLER deals with the specific risks arising from the use of work equipment (including lifting
accessories) to lift loads. It builds upon PUWER and applies to the same groups of people. LOLER
also introduces particular requirements for lifting equipment which is used to lift people, and a
requirement for the thorough examination and reporting of thorough examination of lifting equipment.
I.8
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (SMSR)
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations are the UKs implementation of European Union
Directive 2006/42/EC, the Machinery Directive which requires that all machinery (including lifting
accessories) supplied into the European Union, meets the Essential Health and Safety Requirements
detailed in Schedule 2 Part 1 of the Regulations. This include the provision of information for use,
including loads imposed on the ground. Each machine must be accompanied at time of supply by an
EC Declaration of Conformity declaring that the machinery fulfils all the relevant provisions of the
Regulations.
I.9
British, European and ISO Standards
Standards do not generally have the force of law: the application of a standard is almost always
voluntary, although standards are very often used in support of legislation, and compliance with a
standard is sometimes quoted in legislation as offering a route to discharging legal obligations. Good
examples of this are the references to the BS 7121 series in the Guidance to LOLER.
British standards are generally restricted to Codes of Practice for safe use of equipment e.g. BS71213:2000 Safe use of mobile cranes, whilst European (EN) standards cover requirements for basic
principles (Type A), common product requirements (Type B) and specific product requirements (Type
C) e.g. EN13000:2004 Mobile cranes.
International Standards (ISO) cover both the safe use and specification of mobile cranes and
components. They do not have any legal status by themselves but are often taken as good practice
and when cited as normative references in some EN product standards have the same force as EN
standards.
68
October 2014
Annex J Environment Agency Guidance

The Environment Agency has prepared two documents for the use of machine mats, particularly
on the banks of rivers, canals and lakes. These can be downloaded from their website at
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/eaoi/MISC/Use+of+Machine+Mats+in+the+Environment+Agency.pdf
The documents contain the following guidance for the use of machine mats. This is an example
of core procedures that an organisation can insist are used as the basis for planning work where
a particular control measure is likely to be used.
"When preparing a specialist plan and undertaking the work on site the following golden rules
must be applied:
When working near a watercourse the machine mats must not slope towards the
watercourse.
The minimum distance between the machine mats and the top edge of the bank or the bank
of any water body should be determined by risk assessment. However, unless the specialist
plan has identified other methods of preventing the machine sliding off the mats then the
minimum distance should be no less than two metres.
The machine mats shall be laid either way up, butted up against each other on their long side
and laid on a geotextile membrane.
There must be sufficient mats laid to provide an escape route of at least two machine lengths
to allow the machine to return back in the event of an emergency.
Working on machine mats is not permitted during icy conditions or in conditions that may
cause operational risks.
When lifting the machine mats they must not be dragged, or immersed into water in order to
clean them.
Lone working when using machine mats is not permitted."
69
October 2014
Annex K - Further Information and Guidance

Legislation
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. London: The Stationery Office;
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 as amended (MHSWR);
The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998/SI2306
L22 Safe use of work equipment, HSE Books
The Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998/SI2307
L113 Safe use of lifting equipment, HSE Books
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM);
L144 Managing health and safety in construction, HSE Books
Other Publications
BS 5975:2008 + A1:2011 - Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible
stress design of falsework
BS 6031:2009, Code of practice for earthworks
BS 7121-1:2006, Code of practice for safe use of cranes Part 1: General
BS 7121-3:2000, Code of practice for safe use of cranes Part 3: Mobile cranes
BS 7121-4:2010, Code of practice for safe use of cranes Part 4: Lorry loaders
BS 8004:1986, Code of practice for foundations
BS 8460:2005, Safe use of MEWPs - Code of practice
BS EN 1997-1:2004, Eurocode 7. Geotechnical design. General rules
Working Platforms for Tracked Plant, 2004, BR 470, BRE Bookshop
Working Platforms - Design of granular working platforms for construction plant
A guide to good practice, Temporary Works Forum (expected 2015)
Joint PFF/BCSA/HSE Crane Planning Safety Bulletin
Environment Agency guidance on the use of bog and tracking mats
Crane Stability on Site, 2003. CIRIA C703. Construction Industry Research and Information
Association
Tower Crane Stability, 2006. CIRIA C654. Construction Industry Research and Information
Association.
Influence of Wind on Crane Operation, 2012. Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH. Download from
http://www.liebherr.com/AT/en-GB/default_at.wfw/measure-metric/tab-94354
Management of Shoring in Excavations, Construction Plant-hire Association
Calculation of Track Bearing Pressures for Platform Design, Federation of Piling Specialists
CFA Piling: Preventing ground & rig instability through over-flighting, Federation of Piling
Specialists
70
October 2014
Useful Websites
Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers
and Importers
www.allmi.com
British Constructional Steelwork Association
www.steelconstruction.org
British Drilling Association
www.britishdrillingassociation.co.uk
British Geological Survey
www.bgs.ac.uk
www.cpa.uk.net
Construction Industry Training Board
www.citb.co.uk
Federation of Piling Specialists
www.fps.org.uk
Health and Safety Executive
www.hse.gov.uk
International Powered Access Federation
www.ipaf.org
Strategic Forum for Construction
www.strategicforum.org.uk
Temporary Works Forum
http://twforum.org.uk/pubs.html
UK Contractors Group
www.ukcg.org.uk
71
October 2014
Annex L - Project Group Membership

Chairman:
K Minton
Members:
Name
Employer
Representing
PG
M Allanson
Universal Crane Mats
Universal Crane Mats
S Appleyard
Select Plant Hire
CPA - TCIG
M Banasik
Allianz Engineering
SAFed
J Carpenter
TWF
TWF
SC
WG1
B Bolton
HSE
HSE
M Davies
Barhale
CECA
T Downs
NCC
CSkills
J Dunne
Balfour Beatty
UKCG
T Faithfull
CEA
CEA
J Gregory
Carillion
UKCG
R Handley
Aarsleff Piling
FPS
R Hare-Winton
BAM Construct
UKCG
S Hesketh
MGF
CPA - STIG
E Hudson
Liebherr
CPA - CIG
V Hutson
JCB
CEA
A Johnson
ALLMI
ALLMI
P Markham
RNP Associates
UKCG/TWF
B Murphy
Camfaud
CPA - BCPG
A Newell
NCC
CSkills
M O'Connor
HSE
HSE
I Simpson
HSE
HSE
R Storey
BSP
FPA
D Tees
Lend Lease
UKCG
D Thomas
William Hare
BCSA
J Underwood
HSE
HSE
WG2
M
M
M
M
M
M
S VIckers
Hewlitt CE
Hewlitt CE
P Walker
BCSA
BCSA
S Whittam
Environment Agency
Environment Agency
I Wilson
Balfour Beatty
UKCG
P WIlson
UCATT
UCATT
C Wood
CPA
CPA - CIG
C Wraith
IPAF
IPAF
M
M
Key
M = Group Member
PG = Project Group
SC = Steering Committee
WG1 = Working Group 1 - Management of ground conditions
WG2 = Working Group 2 - Assessment of ground conditions
Secretary & Editor:

T P Watson
72
October 2014
Reference No. CPA 1402

First Published: October 2014
Published by:
27/28 Newbury St
London
EC1A 7HU
Telephone: 020 7796 3366
Email: enquiries@cpa.uk.net
CPA Copyright October 2014
73
October 2014

SFPSG Guidance On Ground Conditions

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

SFPSG Guidance On Ground Conditions

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Ground Conditions for

Ground Conditions for

Strategic Forum for Construction

Reference No. CPA 1402

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Introduction and Scope .......

Legal Duties ...............................................................................................

Roles and Responsibilities .........................................................................

Principles of Task Planning ........................................................................

The Ground Assessment Process ..............................................................

Definition of the Task to be Undertaken ..........

Selection of Plant . ..............................................

Plant Loads and Forces ..............................................................................

Determination of Ground Suitability ............................................................

Selection and Design of Measures to Ensure Ground Suitability ...............

Selection and Design of Measures to Reduce Imposed Loads ..................

Calculation of Plant Loads and Forces .............................................

Soil Types and Characteristics .........................................................

Typical Equipment Used to Spread Loads .......................................

Precautions When Using Outrigger Pads .........................................

Ground Capacity for Outrigger Mats - Simplified Method .................

Examples of the Application of Annex E ...........................................

Examples of Typical Configuration and Loading Information ............

Factors of Safety ...............................................................................

Legal Framework ..............................................................................

Environment Agency Guidance ........................................................

Further Information and Guidance .........

Working Group Membership .......

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Introduction and Scope

Plant hire companies

The types of construction plant covered by this document include:

Mobile cranes (wheeled and

Mobile self erecting tower

Self erecting tower cranes

Mobile Elevating Work

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Rollers and compaction

The scope of this document excludes:

Waterborne and marine plant

Figure 1 - A Simple Outline of the Ground Assessment Process

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Definitions of terms applying to this document

appointed person for lifting operations

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

safe system of work

temporary works co-ordinator

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Rental Companies (Plant Owners)

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Roles and Responsibilities

As with all activities on construction sites, the effective management of ground

Party in Control of the Site

Appointed Persons - Lifting Operations

Temporary Works Designer (TWD)

Temporary Works Design Checker

Temporary Works Co-ordinator (TWC)

Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS)

Ground Conditions for Construction Plant

Select appropriate plant for the task with

Principal/Main Contractor for the